California Basketball Coach Was Moonlighting in Multiple States as a Pimp
In the long and troubled history of college sports scandals, this latest case may rank among the most bizarre.
According to ESPN, California State University, Bakersfield has been shaken by a strange controversy that has largely overshadowed the men’s basketball team’s struggles at the bottom of the Big West Conference standings.
The Roadrunners are currently 8–22, a record that would normally draw attention on its own. But the program’s poor performance has been eclipsed by a scandal involving a “temporary assistant coach,” Kevin Mays.
In August, then–Cal State Bakersfield head coach Rod Barnes received an anonymous email accusing Mays of operating a prostitution ring across four states.
“FIX IT OR THE WHOLE STAFF WILL FALL,” the message read. The tipster, who claimed a woman was being trafficked by Mays, described the email as both a first and final warning.
COLLEGE COACH IS A PIMP!?
“There’s a guy named Kevin Mays, former player at Cal State, then became an assistant coach! Mays is now behind bars! No longer the assistant coach! Moonlighting as a pimp! 11 criminal charges!” – Craig Carton@craigcartonlive @TyJohnsonNews… pic.twitter.com/LZhGRoLLzd
— The Craig Carton Show (@CraigCartonShow) March 5, 2026
Barnes forwarded the message to university officials, prompting an investigation that ultimately led to criminal charges against Mays.
Mays is currently being held without bail while facing 11 charges, including both felonies and misdemeanors. Prosecutors allege he was involved in pimping and also possessed illegal weapons and drugs intended for distribution.
Authorities say he had automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines, along with methamphetamine and marijuana that investigators believe were meant to be sold. If proven in court, those allegations could carry serious penalties.
Investigators also claim Mays possessed more than 600 images of child sexual abuse material and distributed obscene content involving a minor. Despite the extensive list of accusations, Mays has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The unusual case quickly drew widespread attention across the sports world. Meanwhile, the Roadrunners’ on-court troubles have continued, with the men’s basketball team sitting on a 13-game losing streak as of Thursday night.
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