Brian Bowen, one of the recruits who was named in the FBI investigation that led to the arrest of multiple college basketball coaches in September, says he had no knowledge of the rule-breaking that got Adidas and Louisville in trouble and eventually led to Rick Pitino’s ousting.
“I was shocked,” Bowen told ESPN’s Outside The Lines on Thursday about when he found out he was involved in the FBI investigation. “I didn’t believe it at all. … They have to be lying. There’s no way I’m involved in it.”
Bowen, a five-star recruit out of high school, committed to Louisville in June. It was alleged when the FBI arrests were made in Sept. that Bowen’s family was paid $100,000 by Adidas for his commitment to the Cardinals. The FBI had alleged the payment went to Bowen’s father. Bowen’s mother denied all allegations at the time.
The younger Bowen says he was not involved. He also says that he was not pressured regarding his decision. He gave further clarity on why his decision came so late. He says he was initially planning to go to Arizona, but that hinged upon whether two of their players returned to school or left for the NBA draft. When both returned to school, Bowen decided to go elsewhere and chose Louisville.
Bowen was eventually cleared by the FBI, but that didn’t help his college career much. Louisville cut ties with him last month, and the NCAA still hasn’t advised schools about whether or not Bowen has been cleared by them.
