May 2019 Basketball Wiretap

Duke 'Looking Into' Bribery Allegations Involving Nike And Zion Williamson's Mother

Apr 6, 2019 6:00 PM

Kevin White, Duke’s A.D., said he was aware of bribery allegation surrounding Nike and Zion Williamson's mother.

Michael Avenatti, a lawyer who is accused of extorting Nike, tweeted that Williamson's mother was paid "consulting services" to send her son to Duke.

“We are aware of the allegation and, as we would with any compliance matter, are looking into it. Duke is fully committed to compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations. Every student athlete at Duke is reviewed to ensure their eligibility. With regard to men’s basketball: all recruits and their families are thoroughly vetted by Duke in collaboration with the NCAA through the Eligibility Center’s amateurism certification process," said White.

Nike has sponsored Duke since 1992 and recently signed an extension through 2027.

Ben Leonard/Duke Chronicle

Tags: NCAA, NCAA Misc Rumor

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John Calipari Agrees To Lifetime Extension With Kentucky

Apr 1, 2019 9:11 PM

John Calipari has agreed to a lifetime extension with Kentucky.

Calipari had been in contact with UCLA and was offered a six-year, $48 million deal.

"It has nothing to do with the other stuff ... people call every year," he said. "They presented it to me and I appreciate it."

Calipari's deal is structured as an extension until he retires and then he will become an ambassador for the remainder of his life.

Calipari has been to four Final Fours with Kentucky, in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015, winning the national championship in 2012. 

Calipari has also received interest to return to the NBA.

Jeff Borzello/ESPN

Tags: UCLA Bruins, Kentucky Wildcats, NCAA, NBA, NBA Misc Rumor, NCAA Misc Rumor

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Jerry Stackhouse In Talks To Become Head Coach Of Vanderbilt

Apr 1, 2019 9:09 PM

Jerry Stackhouse is in discussions to become head coach at Vanderbilt.

Stackhouse was head coach of Raptors 905 for two seasons before becoming an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Stackhouse's time in the G League helped build his relationship with Vanderbilt athletic director Malcolm Turner, who was formerly the president of the G League.

Stackhouse has been a head coaching candidate in the NBA.

Jeff Borzello/ESPN

Tags: Memphis Grizzlies, Vanderbilt Commodores, NCAA, NBA, NBA Misc Rumor, NCAA Misc Rumor

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Kentucky Offers John Calipari Lifetime Contract After Interest From UCLA

Apr 1, 2019 5:40 PM

John Calipari has been offered a lifetime contract by Kentucky. The deal would be a combination of a head coaching extension and a paid role as an ambassador.

The offer from Kentucky comes after UCLA offered Calipari a six-year, $48 million deal. The discussions between Calipari and UCLA were more extensive than previously believed. Kentucky gave UCLA permission to speak with Calipari.

Calipari is the highest-paid basketball coach in the country, making $9.2 million this year.

The new contract won't be substantially more lucrative, but it will include a 10-year term and a promise to be a paid ambassador in retirement.

Seth Davis/The Athletic

Tags: UCLA Bruins, Kentucky Wildcats, NCAA, NBA, NCAA Misc Rumor

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