UPDATE: The Kansas Jayhawks have officially hired Tony Bland as their new assistant coach, a move that comes amid ongoing scrutiny following his involvement in the 2017 FBI investigation into college basketball corruption. This urgent development was reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel earlier today.
Bland, who spent last season as an assistant at Washington, was one of four Black coaches implicated in the federal probe that uncovered a bribery scheme within the sport. As a part of this investigation, he was arrested alongside nine others for allegedly accepting payments in exchange for steering athletes to specific agents and financial advisors.
In a stark admission, Bland pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, admitting to accepting a $4,100 bribe. He received a two-year probation sentence without jail time and faced a three-year show cause that expired last year, allowing him to return to coaching. His first opportunity post-investigation came with Washington’s Danny Sprinkle, who provided him a pathway back into the sport.
This hiring is particularly significant for the Jayhawks, who find themselves in a precarious position. Head coach Bill Self is currently recovering from a serious heart issue, having undergone surgery in July 2023 to have two stents placed in his heart. Self missed several games two years ago due to cardiac problems, including a critical loss in the 2023 NCAA tournament. His health remains a priority as he prepares to lead the team in the upcoming season.
Bland joins a coaching staff that recently added former standout Jacque Vaughn as well. The Jayhawks will be looking to capitalize on the talents of five-star prospect Darryn Peterson, who is projected to be a top pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
As the Kansas basketball program navigates these tumultuous waters, the addition of Bland represents a significant and controversial step. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how this development unfolds in the coming weeks.
