Adidas Marketer Arrested in FBI Corruption Probe
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The FBI has charged the director of global sports marketing at Adidas of participating in a bribery scheme in which college basketball players were paid to attend universities affiliated with the brand and then later signed with Adidas if they turned pro. The charges, outlined in a federal criminal complaint, provide a glimpse into the underbelly of college athletics and the role sports brands play in steering athletes to certain schools.
Adidas’ Jim Gatto, who was arrested, is among 10 people facing federal criminal charges. Also implicated are four assistant basketball coaches, as well as financial advisors and managers, according to the Department of Justice. Media reports have reported that the coaches are from Auburn University, University of Arizona, Oklahoma State University and University of Southern California.
“Today, we became aware that federal investigators arrested an Adidas employee. We are learning more about the situation. We’re unaware of any misconduct and will fully cooperate with authorities to understand more,” said an Adidas spokeswoman in a statement. Gatto has been with Adidas for 24 years, according to his LinkedIn page.
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