Miami Hurricanes Basketball Head Coach Jim Larranaga has indicated he is “Coach three” in the FBI’s probe’s of Adidas according to multiple reports. Larranaga met with reporters at the Watsco Center on Monday to discuss the allegations.
Appearing in front of reporters Larranaga read a prepared statement and then discussed the Miami Hurricanes potential involvement in the scandal that has rocked college basketball. The Hurricanes have had a few potential recruits remove Miami from their list as a result of the basketball program being implicated in the scandal.
Meeting with reporters Larranaga admitted that he is the implicated Coach three in the scandal. He then denied any wrongdoing. Generally known as one of the most ethical coaches in college basketball, it was surprising when the allegations involving Larranaga came out.
Neither Larranaga or the University was directly implicated in the allegations by the FBI. It wasn’t difficult to see through the thinly veiled reference. Miami was clearly “School Seven”. School seven is “private research university located in Florida” boasting “approximately 16,000 students and over 2,600 faculty members.”
Part of the allegations that came out alleged that school seven and coach three were working with Adidas to conspire to funnel $150,000 to a potential recruit. It was later learned that the recruit in question was Nassir Little. Little later committed to North Carolina.
Larranaga gave a statement denying any involvement in the bribery scandal.
"“I am grateful we have come to that conclusion…as I know I did nothing wrong, and it is comforting to know none of my assistants are connected in any way…“I cannot state more emphatically that I absolutely have no knowledge of any wrongdoing by any member of our staff and I certainly have never engaged in the conduct that some have speculated about,” Larranaga said, holding a piece of paper with both hands.“I have tried to live every single one of my 68 years on this earth with integrity, character, and humility. … To have those values that I cherish so dearly even questioned, is disheartening and disappointing…“It’s been a strain, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually,” Larranaga said.. “It’s something that’s there. I have to deal with it. I have the support of my wife and a wonderful family. I have the support of the university, my staff and players.”"
The Miami Herald had more from Larranaga’s statement.
"“Although this is a very difficult time for me and my family, I am confident when all reviews are concluded that my reputation as a man and coach of character will remain intact,” he said."
Larranaga mentioned during the press conference that the FBI had not confirmed to him if he was Coach Three.
Video Courtesy Palm Beach Post
The alleged scandal has taken its toll on Larranaga and the Miami Hurricanes recruiting class. Miami has yet to get a commitment from anyone in the class of 2018. The combination of Hurricane Irma and the scandal has caused some of the potential Hurricanes recruits to forego visiting Miami.
The investigation and charges have sent a pall over the Miami Hurricanes basketball program as they are about to embark on one of the most anticipated seasons in school history. The Hurricanes were ranked 12th in the recently released preseason coaches poll. This is likely to linger during the season.
Larranaga met with the FBI at Miami International airport on August 26 per the Herald. They quoted the Hurricanes Head Coach as saying:
"“Answered every question they had and turned over thousands of emails, text messages and any other materials requested of me.”"
Next: Miami Basketball Ranked 12th In Preseason Poll
Miami will begin the season November 10 at the Watsco Center against Gardner-Webb.