Auburn basketball associate head coach Chuck Person was released from custody Tuesday afternoon in Montgomery and has been ordered to appear in federal court in New York in early October.
Person's defense attorney, Jeff Duffey, appeared in Federal Court in Montgomery for a preliminary detention hearing. The court ordered Person to appear at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, where the case is being prosecuted, at 9 a.m. on Oct. 10.
Prosecutors are charging Person with conspiracy to defraud the United States as part of the alleged bribery schemes. Those who work for public institutions or institutions that receive federal funds are barred from accepting bribes.
The former Auburn and NBA player, who coached in the NBA before joining Auburn's coaching staff in 2014 as an assistant coach, was suspended without pay after federal prosecutors announced the charges Tuesday morning.
“This morning’s news is shocking," the University said in a statement. "We are saddened, angry and disappointed. We have suspended Coach Person without pay effective immediately. We are committed to playing by the rules, and that’s what we expect from our coaches. In the meantime, Auburn is working closely with law enforcement, and we will help them in their investigation in any way we can.”
The scheme, according to prosecutors, involved top coaches funneling student-athletes to agents and financial advisers in return for cash bribes, according to the prosecutors.
"There is a lot there," said Joon Kim, acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. "Ten people have been arrested, four coaches at major, top-tier basketball programs. That is a significant number of people and conduct that affects a number of important programs. The investigation ... is ongoing."
More than 10 people, including coaches, managers, financial advisers and representatives from Adidas, are facing similar charges, including coaches at Southern California,
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Chip Brownlee, senior in journalism and political science, is the editor-in-chief of The Auburn Plainsman.
