Atlanta clothier pleads guilty in basketball corruption case

NEW YORK (AP) — An Atlanta clothier and former NBA referee has pleaded guilty in a college basketball scandal, admitting teaming up with ex-Auburn basketball assistant coach Chuck Person in a bribery scheme.

Rashan Michel apologized as he pleaded guilty to bribery conspiracy, admitting a role in a bribery scheme in which coaches accepted bribes to steer top athletes to certain financial advisers.

Person is awaiting sentencing after recently pleading guilty to the same charge.

The 44-year-old Michel said he knew what he was doing was wrong when he agreed in late 2016 to join the scheme and help arrange bribes.

Person was among four assistant coaches at major schools to plead guilty in the case.

Meanwhile, a jury deliberating the fate of two defendants in the scandal deliberated Tuesday without reaching a verdict