The University of Maryland has been subpoenaed as part of the FBI’s investigation into corruption in college basketball. The school acknowledged the subpoenas stem from the recruitments of former Terrapins center Diamond Stone and of forward Silvio De Sousa, who ultimately committed to Kansas.
James Crabtree-Hannigan of The Diamondback provided details to Maryland’s subpoenas
The first subpoena relates to a redacted student-athlete, assistant coach Bino Ranson and agent Christian Dawkins, who worked for the agency that paid Diamond Stone $14,303.
The second subpoena relates to 5-star recruit Silvio De Sousa, who eventually chose Kansas over Maryland
— James Crabtree-Hannigan (@JamesCrabtreeH) July 6, 2018
Jeff Ermann of 247Sports passed along that neither subpoena alleges any wrongdoing by Maryland, however, that does not imply vindication or no wrongdoing may be discovered.
That's not to say Maryland has been vindicated or nothing bad could turn up, but a subpoena is an inquiry, not an indictment.
— Jeff Ermann (@Jeff_Ermann) July 6, 2018
Maryland will avoid an appearance with the grand jury after the school provided records for both subpoenas, per Crabtree-Hannigan,
Maryland provided records for both subpoenas, therefore avoiding an appearance in front of a grand jury.
— James Crabtree-Hannigan (@JamesCrabtreeH) July 6, 2018
Additionally, the subpoena related to De Sousa stems from one of his “handlers” allegedly asked Kansas for money to repay a school he was supposed to attend. As mentioned, Maryland is one of the programs that recruited him.
In February, Yahoo Sports ran a report about federal documents detailing corruption within college basketball that involved high-ranked teams, players, and coaches. Since, the NCAA has been under fire about the recruiting practices by programs that have allegedly provided players and their families with improper benefits. Yahoo’s initial report stated “at least 20 Division I basketball programs and more than 25 players” both current and retroactive have been part of the FBI’s investigation.
Since leaving Maryland after his freshman season in 2016, Stone has bounced around NBA organizations. This past season he played for the Salt Lake City Stars, the Utah Jazz’s G-League development team. He is currently on the summer league roster for the Jazz.
