https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2019/08/16/kentucky-basketball-assistants-texts-nike-executive-released/2036072001/
The text message from a Kentucky basketball assistant coach to Nike EYBL director Carlton Debose about the shoe company allegedly funneling money to AAU basketball coaches has been released.
In the exchange, Debose acknowledges payments to about "about 10" EYBL coaches who are "helping families to the total of about 200K annually."
KP responded, "Wow," then asks, "can it come back to hurt you?"
Debose replied, "Not really," before adding "It's a risk but my every day job is a damn risk so I'm used to it now."
KP responded, "Watch your back bro."
Among the other messages in the exhibits are outlines of payments to 2018 NBA draft No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton and plans to pay New Albany native Romeo Langford and 2019 NBA draft No. 1 pick Zion Williamson to lure them to Nike-affiliated AAU teams.