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Opening statements to start in college basketball recruitment trial

FILE - In this Feb. 26, 2017, file photo, Louisville head coach Rick Pitino shouts instructions to his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Syracuse, in Louisville, Ky. A recruiter, a coach and a former Adidas executive are scheduled to go on trial in New York in a criminal case that exposed corruption in several top U.S. college basketball programs. It also led to the firing of Hall of Fame coach Pitino and sidelined the playing career of standout recruit Brian Bowen Jr. (Timothy D. Easley / Associated Press)
Associated Press

NEW YORK – Opening statements in a criminal trial stemming from a scandal over college basketball recruiting is set to begin Tuesday.

The trial results from charges brought last year against three men. Prosecutors say the men arranged to shower key basketball recruits and their families with money to steer them to schools and managers.

The trial in Manhattan federal court surrounds charges brought against an aspiring sports agent, an Amateur Athletic Union coach and an Adidas executive. All have pleaded not guilty.

Four former assistant basketball coaches at major college basketball programs who were charged in the case are awaiting trial before other judges.

The scandal has brought down coaching legend Rick Pitino of Louisville. He was not charged, but his name will be mentioned at trial. It also embarrassed sportswear giant Adidas.