The Latest: Adidas seeks to improve basketball 'environment'
NEW YORK (AP) — The Latest on the conviction of three college basketball recruiting insiders (all times local):
3:45 p.m.
Adidas says it will continue to work with the NCAA and "other stakeholders" to improve "the environment around college basketball" following the conviction of three recruiting insiders.
The company said in a statement it cooperated fully with authorities during the investigation that led to Wednesday's verdict in Manhattan federal court.
The government had accused a former Adidas executive, a business manager and the director of an amateur league in a scheme to funnel tens of thousands of dollars in secret payments to families of prospects so they would commit to Adidas-sponsored schools.
Prosecutors said the defendants committed fraud by concealing the payments that violated NCAA rules. Defense lawyers argued there was no evidence colleges suffered any harm.
The case caused a scandal that forced the exit of legendary Louisville coach Rick Pitino last year.
