A report from Yahoo Sports details an FBI probe into some of the top players and schools in college basketball for allegedly taking money from an NBA agency - a revelation that could have drastic ramifications on college basketball. USA TODAY Sports
Duke released a statement Friday indicating the school does not believe the eligibility of freshman Wendell Carter Jr. will be impacted by the Yahoo Sports report that alleged impermissible benefits were given to current and former college basketball players and their families.
Carter was named in the story as one of the players that had a meeting with Christian Dawkins, a member of the ASM sports agency implicated in ongoing FBI investigation into college basketball corruption. Dawkins was arrested last fall and charged with three counts of wire fraud and one count of money-laundering conspiracy.
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In the Yahoo story published Friday, an alleged expense report indicated a lunch charge of $106.36 tied to Carter. If Carter or a family member did not pay for their portion of the meal, it would be consider an impermissible benefit. However, Duke played down any potentially eligibility concerns.
“A Duke student-athlete was identified in a Yahoo! Sports report this morning about men’s college basketball," the statement from Duke athletics director Kevin White said. "Duke immediately reviewed the matter and, based on the available information, determined there are no eligibility issues related to today’s report. Duke has already contacted the NCAA and will continue to work collaboratively with the NCAA and the Atlantic Coast Conference. Duke has an uncompromising commitment to compliance in athletics. That has not, and will not, change.”
Carter, who is averaging 14.5 points and 9.5 rebounds, is expected to play when the Blue Devils face Syracuse on Saturday.
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