A former high-ranking basketball prospect, whose recruitment brought down a Hall of Fame basketball coach, is now filing suit against Adidas under the RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) Statute, arguing that the apparel giant themselves should be held responsible for the actions of their associates.
Brian Bowen II, a five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, committed to Louisville following his senior year of high school, but was ruled ineligible when it was revealed that his family accepted payments on his behalf. (RELATED: Condoleezza Rice Denies Interest In NFL Coaching Job)
Brian Bowen II has filed a lawsuit against Adidas and its associates — James Gatto, Merl Code, Christian Dawkins, Munish Sood, Thomas Gassnola and Christopher Rivers — alleging violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) November 19, 2018
In one of the biggest scandals in college basketball history, Bowen’s recruitment eventually led to the firing of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino and Athletic Director Tom Jurich.
The lawsuit filed by Bowen accuses Adidas of money laundering, bribery and fraud for the payments made to his father. Bowen is seeking financial damages and an end to Adidas sponsorship of Division 1 programs.
Bowen will likely claim that Adidas defrauded him out of a chance to develop as a player at Louisville. (RELATED: LeBron James Responds To Criticism From Legendary College Coach)
Excerpt from Bowen’s suit claims Adidas took advantage of athletes whose families were unsophisticated and financially poor, and who “unwittingly put their children’s education and promising athletic careers in jeopardy.” I’m not so sure Brian Bowen Sr. was unwitting. pic.twitter.com/2KKyVW4TOi
— Danielle Lerner (@danielle_lerner) November 19, 2018
However this goes, it will mark yet another important court ruling that will have an impact on amateur athletics for decades to come.
