The University of Arizona suspended assistant men's basketball coach Emmanuel "Book" Richardson Tuesday after he was arrested by the FBI on corruption charges. The UA also postponed plans for a Wednesday media day for the team. The event has yet to be rescheduled.
Statement from Arizona athletics: pic.twitter.com/Cro3XkOH0M
— Erica Weston (@EricaLWeston) September 26, 2017
Richardson has not been fired but has been relieved of all duties.
Here is the UA's official statement:
We were made aware of the Department of Justice's investigation this morning and we are cooperating fully with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's office. Men's basketball assistant coach
Emanuel Richardson was immediately suspended and relieved of all duties.
We were appalled to learn of the allegations as they do not reflect the standards we hold ourselves to and require from our colleagues. The University of Arizona has a strong culture of compliance and the expectation is we follow the rules.
Arizona Athletics added a statement of its own:
We became aware of the situation involving one of our men's basketball coaches Emmanuel Richardson this morning. We have been working in conjunction with the University, and have confirmed that Richardson has been suspended effective immediately. We will cooperate fully with authorities as they move through their investigation.
We work under the basic directive that all department personnel operate within applicable laws and NCAA rules. The behavior that Richardson is accused of is completely unacceptable and does not reflect the principles of this athletics department.
The FBI has arrested several NCAA assistant basketball coaches on charges of fraud and corruption included Oklahoma State coach Lamont Evans, Auburn coach Chuck Person and USC coach Tony Bland.
Those coaches were among 10 charged in New York City federal court. Others included managers, financial advisers, and representatives of a major international sportswear company.
RELATED: Several NCAA basketball coaches arrested in corruption scheme
In court papers, prosecutors said the FBI has been investigating the criminal influence of money on coaches and student-athletes who participate in intercollegiate basketball governed by the NCAA since 2015.
During a news conference on Tuesday, charges were unsealed in Manhattan federal court.
