Former Arizona assistant basketball coach Book Richardson has pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges.
According to Tucson.com, Richardson was in tears as he admitted to a judge that he accepted $20,000 in exchange for a promise to steer student-athletes to agent Christian Dawkins. Prosecutors said he planned to use $15,000 of the money to entice a particular recruit to attend Arizona.
Richardson reportedly admitted that he knew what he did was wrong.
As part of a plea agreement that was reached earlier this month, Richardson agreed to plead guilty to one charge of federal bribery, while four other charges were dismissed. Richardson is likely subject to a sentence of 18 to 24 months in prison.
Richardson is scheduled for sentencing April 24 and has agreed not to appeal the decision.
"Richardson, entrusted to help players develop as athletes and young men, instead helped himself to the cash offered by unscrupulous agents and financial advisers," said U.S. attorney Geoffrey S. Berman in a statement.
