A former assistant basketball coach at California State University-Bakersfield, Kevin Mays is in custody and awaiting trial after being accused of operating as a pimp in four U.S. states.
Authorities also allege the 33-year old possessed child abuse material, illegal firearms, and controlled substances.
Mays, who played basketball at the university from 2014 to 2016, was serving in a temporary coaching role last summer when university officials received a tip about his alleged off-the-court activities.
The tip reportedly included a warning: “Fix it or the whole staff will fall,” described as both a first and final warning.
An internal investigation by the university police led to multiple charges, including trafficking, pimping, possession of pornography, and possession of methamphetamine and marijuana with intent to sell.
Police also reported that Mays possessed automatic firearms. Mays has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following the allegations, California State University-Bakersfield announced in September 2025 that then-head coach Rod Barnes and the athletic director, Kyle Conder, were no longer employed at the school.
Conder subsequently filed a wrongful termination lawsuit, claiming he was made a “convenient scapegoat” after attempting to alert the administration to misconduct within the athletic department.
The university has not released further details about ongoing investigations or potential disciplinary measures for other staff members.
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