Corruption in college basketball has led to convictions of Adidas executives for wire fraud and conspiracy. Could it soon lead to a finding that Adidas itself is part of a far-reaching criminal syndicate? Is the athletic footwear company, along with the college coaches who profit handsomely from it, like the mafia? And are five-star recruits and McDonald’s All-Americans the unwitting victims?
These questions lie at the heart of a new lawsuit filed by former high school basketball phenom Brian Bowen in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. The now 20-year-old Bowen, whose family was allegedly paid $100,000 as an inducement for Bowen to attend Adidas-sponsored Louisville, has sued seven defendants.