NCAA to Conduct its own Investigation into University of San Diego Gambling Ring

(Tribune Wire Services) - The NCAA plans to conduct its own investigation into an alleged basketball gambling ring at the University of San Diego but will wait until the FBI completes its work.

Yesterday, NCAA Vice President of Enforcement Julie Roe Lach called the allegations sad, acknowledging the serious nature of the charges that were unsealed Monday in San Diego.

The accused include Brandon Johnson, the school’s career scoring leader who is now playing in the NBA Development League, former assistant coach Thaddeus Brown and former player Brandon Dowdy.

Eight of 10 people charged pleaded not guilty yesterday in federal court. Six of the eight defendants were granted bail ranging from $35,000 to $50,000.

A detention hearing was expected this week for Steve Goria and Paul Thweni, who prosecutors say are considered flight risks because they’re primary defendants. Johnson, who was arrested in Texas, was arraigned there Monday. Defendant Jake Salter is set to be arraigned Friday.

All are charged with conspiracy to commit sports bribery, conducting an illegal gambling business and distributing marijuana. If convicted, they each face up to five years in prison and $250,000 fines.

Federal authorities have charged them with running a sports betting business to affect the outcome of games.

“The FBI is leading the investigation, and we will stand by and let them do their work because they have more tools in their tool boxes to get at what’s going on than we do,” Lach said. “After they conclude their investigation, we will begin ours.”

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