Book Richardson is going to jail

Book Richardson, the former Arizona assistant caught up in the FBI’s investigation into college basketball, is going to jail.

On Thursday, Richardson was sentenced to three months behind bars and two years probation for his leading role in the game’s bribery scandal. He will also have to cough up the $20,000 he accepted as payment.

U.S. District Court Judge Edgardo Ramos called it “a serious crime” that “went beyond violating NCAA rules.”

Richardson was very apologetic to the University of Arizona for what he did:

“I want to apologize to the University of Arizona, President (Robert C.) Robbins for everything that’s happened,” Richardson said. “Just knowing who I am and it was a mistake that happened because it was a mistake; it wasn’t a conduct that’s natural and normal. And I think my former players, I think my family will attest to that. And again any student-athlete that I hurt, any student-athlete I put in a bad way, I apologize sincerely. And I’m always going to be their coach, I’m always going to be their uncle and to some of them I’ll be their dad. And unfortunately this happened and hopefully we can build something positive from it.” [AZCentral.com]

Many people, myself included, are surprised Richardson will actually go to jail. Jeff Goodman tweeted, “Still incredible that Book Richardson is going to serve actual time for this.”

Richardson is the only player in this game going to jail, so far. Former USC assistant Tony Bland got off with probation yesterday.

Let this be a reminder that you shouldn’t take advantage of young people for your own personal gain. Matter of fact, don’t bribe anyone.