Antonio Pierce was sentenced to eight years in prison for violations that occurred while he was an assistant coach at Arizona State University, including taking the parents of a promising player to a gentlemen's club.
The NCAA announced Thursday that Pierce had orchestrated a “scheme” to circumvent recruiting restrictions put in place during the coronavirus pandemic.
Pierce, who left his position at ASU before the 2022 season, will not be affected by the suspension unless he attempts to return to coaching college football.
If an NCAA school hires Pierce during the show cause order, he will be suspended for the first football season and will not be allowed any contact with coaches or players.
The NCAA's order lasts until Oct. 2, 2032.
Pearce, other football staff and boosters were said to have been setting up unofficial visits for “approximately a year” during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which staff members would receive “tryouts, football facility tours, “He had impermissible recruiting contact with 35 promising players and their players, including entertainment.” My family. ”
The report goes on to say that current Raiders coaches “worked with boosters who were parents of players who were then football students to provide free meals, clothing, flights, and/or lodging to 27 prospective players. “He arranged or personally provided the services,” he continued. – Program athletes.
In addition to violating the dead period regulations, meals, entertainment, and travel expenses for unofficial visits, such as taking the parents of prospective candidates to gentlemen's clubs, also constitute “unacceptable solicitation.”
Former booster Regina Jackson, the mother of Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, was cited multiple times in a 67-page report released by the NCAA for cooperating in impermissible campus visits and additional violations. has been done.
Some of the incidents Jackson was allegedly involved in included trips to gentlemen's clubs, with football staff telling the NCAA that they “drove several individuals, including Pierce, Garnett, Jackson, and other up-and-coming players, to the club.” “I remember taking him there,” he said. My parents and one other non-coaching staff member. ”
Other aspects of the NCAA report include that Pierce allegedly provided “false or misleading information” during the investigation and was not willing to provide financial records to NCAA investigators. Can be mentioned.
The report also found that Pearce “used his authority to pressure staff into committing violations and instilled fear that they would lose their jobs if they did not comply with his orders.”
Since leaving ASU, Pierce has quickly risen through the ranks as the Raiders' coach.
He was hired as linebackers coach in 2022, was given the interim head coaching job midway through last NFL season, and was finally hired permanently in January.
Although things haven't gone the way Pierce hoped this season in Las Vegas.
The Raiders are off to a 2-2 start to the season, with headlines surrounding the team centered around star wide receiver Davante Adams looking to leave Sin City.
