State Sports Report
State Sports Report

Atlanta man in college basketball scandal avoids prison

Rashan Michel exits the Federal Courthouse in Manhattan on Oct. 10, 2017 in New York City. (

Credit: Stephanie Keith

Credit: Stephanie Keith

Rashan Michel exits the Federal Courthouse in Manhattan on Oct. 10, 2017 in New York City. (
By The Associated Press
Oct 17, 2019

An Atlanta businessman who pleaded guilty in a college basketball scandal that paid bribes to steer top athletes to certain schools and money managers has been spared prison time.

Rashan Michel wiped his eyes Thursday when U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska in New York announced that prison would be excessive punishment, even for what she described as a serious crime.

Michel is a former NBA referee who founded and operated a clothing store that catered to professional athletes.

Prosecutors say he told a law enforcement informant he knew college basketball coaches who would be willing to accept bribes to influence athletes.

Michel apologized for his role in the scandal that led four assistant coaches at top-tier basketball programs to plead guilty and admit accepting bribes.

About the Author

The Associated Press
More Stories

Keep Reading

Kennesaw State head coach Jerry Mack shouts instructions during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Fifth Third Stadium, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in Kennesaw. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

With win Saturday, Kennesaw State would be only team with no CUSA loss

If Kennesaw State defeats Jacksonville State on Saturday, it will go a long way toward determining who will play for it in the conference championship game Dec. 5.

45m ago

Emory basketball made history last year. How they will ‘chase excellence’ now

The Eagles who play at the non-scholarship NCAA Division III have been to the national tournament in 11 of the past 12 seasons, including a stretch of 10 consecutive seasons.

Who’s built to finish? Field of HBCU teams for Celebration Bowl takes shape

The annual showcase pits the champions of the Southwestern Athletic Conference and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in a spotlight game for HBCU football.

The Latest

Kennesaw State head coach Jerry Mack shouts instructions during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Fifth Third Stadium, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in Kennesaw. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

With win Saturday, Kennesaw State would be only team with no CUSA loss

45m ago

Emory basketball made history last year. How they will ‘chase excellence’ now

Who’s built to finish? Field of HBCU teams for Celebration Bowl takes shape

Featured

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins' Senate campaign used Sen. Jon Ossoff's Senate portrait (center) to create an AI-generated video of Ossoff talking about his vote not to end the government shutdown. The video was reposted to Collins' campaign account on X (left). (Screenshot)

Credit: Screenshot

OPINON

Murphy: Jon Ossoff warned about deepfakes. Now he is one.

A Mike Collins campaign video uses AI to make Sen. Jon Ossoff say outlandish things. A proposed state law would rein in such uses of AI in campaigns.

President of Atlanta Fed Raphael Bostic announces retirement

Atlanta Fed President and CEO Raphael Bostic has served in the role since 2017 and is the first Black and openly gay chief executive of a regional Fed bank.

Savannah ditched 2 marathons. Can shorter race find Peachtree-like success?

Savannah is an attractive destination for those whose idea of a fun weekend getaway is a road race. But two marathons have left town. Will Saturday's shorter race be a keeper?