Cal State Bakersfield coach Kevin Mays charged with pimping and drug offences
Former Cal State Bakersfield assistant coach Kevin Mays faces 11 criminal charges including pimping and drug possession following an investigation sparked by an anonymous tip.
The scandal has triggered significant upheaval within the university’s athletic department, leading to high-profile departures.
Mays, who served as a temporary assistant, has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Departmental exodus
Rod Barnes, the men’s basketball head coach, and athletic director Kyle Conder left their positions in September as the investigation unfolded.
The university did not explicitly state the reason for their exits, ending Barnes’ 14-year tenure which included NCAA and NIT tournament appearances.
Internal turmoil began on 29 August when the veteran coach opened an anonymous email alleging criminal activity by his staff member.
“FIX IT OR THE WHOLE STAFF WILL FALL.”
Anonymous email sent to Rod Barnes
The tipster warned that this communication served as both a “first warning and a final warning”.
Serious criminal allegations
Mays is currently being held without bond and faces a severe list of 11 criminal and misdemeanor charges.
Prosecutors allege the former coach worked as a pimp across four states and trafficked a woman identified in the tipster’s email.
Further charges include possession of methamphetamine and marijuana with intent to sell, alongside possession of automatic firearms.
He has also been cited for possession of over 600 images of youth pornography and distribution of obscene matter involving a minor.
Bakersfield Police Department indicated that investigators are conducting follow-up interviews to identify potential additional victims.
University response
Jennifer Self, a spokesperson for the Big West Conference school, described the charges against Mays as “deeply concerning”.
The institution has since consulted with a local human trafficking expert to provide campus-wide awareness training.
Acting athletic director Sarah Tuohy and university president Vernon Harper confirmed a national search is underway to replace the departed leadership.
The Roadrunners finished last in their conference standings prior to this off-court crisis.
