Former College Basketball Coach Accused of Operating as a Pimp in Four States
A former assistant basketball coach at California State University-Bakersfield has been detained and is currently awaiting trial after authorities allege he was involved in pimping activities across four states. Kevin Mays, 33, was arrested in September 2025 on multiple serious charges, including trafficking a woman in several states and possession of child abuse material.
Tipster Alert Leads to Investigation and Arrest
The case came to light after a tipster alerted the university to Mays's off-the-court activities, as reported by ESPN. The tipster allegedly sent an email with the stark warning, "FIX IT OR THE WHOLE STAFF WILL FALL," describing it as a "first warning and a final warning." This prompted an investigation by the university's police department.
Mays, who had played basketball at the university from 2014 to 2016, was serving in a temporary coaching role last summer when then-head coach Rod Barnes received the tip. The investigation uncovered a range of charges against Mays, extending beyond human trafficking to include pimping, possession of pornography, automatic firearms, and methamphetamine and marijuana with intent to sell.
Legal Proceedings and University Fallout
Mays has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining his innocence as the legal process unfolds. In a related development, the university announced in September that both head coach Rod Barnes and athletic director Kyle Conder were no longer with the institution.
Conder has since filed a lawsuit for wrongful termination, claiming he was made a "convenient scapegoat" and that he had attempted to warn the administration about issues within the athletic department. This lawsuit adds another layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding the case.
The allegations against Mays highlight serious concerns about misconduct in collegiate sports and the broader implications for university oversight. As the trial approaches, the case continues to draw attention from media and the public alike.
