California State University, Bakersfield, has been rocked by a wild scandal. Former player-turned-coach, Kevin Mays, who joined the team's staff as a temporary assistant coach, has been charged with 11 criminal and misdemeanor charges.
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Shockingly, those charges include felony pimping, TMZ has reported.
"According to reports, then-head coach Rod Barnes received a message in August titled "IMPORTANT MESSAGE 911 911" claiming Mays had been "trafficking a girl since May" across several states," TMZ wrote. "The sender warned in all caps, FIX IT OR THE WHOLE STAFF WILL FALL."
Coach Barnes passed the message along to the school's HR department. Of course, that triggered a broader investigation into the claims. According to TMZ, investigators set up a sting operation with a woman they identified offering sex work in Sacramento.
"The woman allegedly told police Mays was her boyfriend and that he regularly covered hotel rooms, rental cars and flights tied to her work," TMZ continued.
Mays, who has been arrested, pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was only recently hired by California State University in a role that nets him roughly $3,000 per month. The case remains open and active.
Police Found Disturbing Images in Kevin Mays' Phone
TMZ has noted that upon his arrest, the police searched Mays' car and apartment, where they found some highly disturbing evidence.
"A search of his car and apartment allegedly uncovered multiple firearms and a large stash of drugs, while a search of his phone reportedly revealed hundreds of images of child pornography, including photos involving very young children," TMZ reported.
Following the arrest, both head coach Barnes and athletic director Kyle Conder left their posts within the university. As such, the entire collegiate basketball program is in disarray. The program will now be looking for a new head coach and athletic director. However, the scandal could make filling those positions a difficult task.
Currently, no further information regarding Mays' case has been made public. However, more updates will undoubtedly follow as the investigation continues and his court appearances begin. For now, though, California State University, Bakersfield basketball program will likely endure some very difficult months.
