University of Alabama men’s basketball coach Avery Johnson has received “no new information” into events that led to the resignation of former UA associate athletics director Kobie Baker.
Johnson said Thursday that all players are eligible “at this point,” although an internal investigation is ongoing and will likely continue until there is more certainty about the direction of an FBI investigation that has resulted in 10 arrests. Further subpoenas were issued to at least three schools, not including Alabama, on Thursday.
“I’m confident in our compliance department, our athletic department and our administration,” Johnson said. “We have been proactive with all the different authorities (involved in the investigation).”
Baker resigned last month after being identified as a participant in a meeting intended to steer the family of Alabama freshman Collin Sexton to an Atlanta-based financial advisor. According to an FBI document, Baker accepted a cash payment in return for his influence with the Sexton family. The report did not indicate whether any cash was then funneled to the Sexton family, and Sexton’s brother, Jordan, has denied any wrongdoing by the family.
Johnson said he would continue to share information but was confident that all players would remain eligible “unless we are notified of something else.”
“I think I’ve tried to be forthcoming and transparent since I’ve been here, and I want that to continue,” he said. “But as of right now, I don’t have any other updates on that situation.”
Johnson was upbeat about Alabama’s on-court situation although one key player, senior forward Riley Norris, is out on a “week-to-week” basis due to a hip injury.
“We had a great Pro Day (on Wednesday),” Johnson said. “We had over 50 NBA scouts and front office personnel. Some of them had never been to Tuscaloosa before, so we had a little reception for them afterwards and got some very positive feedback on some of our players.”
Reach Cecil Hurt at cecil@tidesports.com or 205-722-0225.
