California Coach Arrested for Allegedly Moonlighting as a Pimp
In a shocking turn of events, the California State University, Bakersfield athletics department is embroiled in scandal following allegations against Kevin Mays, a temporary assistant coach for the men’s basketball team. The turmoil began when Rod Barnes, the men’s basketball coach, received an anonymous email on August 29, 2025, highlighting Mays’ alleged involvement in human trafficking across multiple states.
Details of the Allegations Against Kevin Mays
The anonymous email raised serious concerns, alleging that Mays had trafficked a woman for several months. Described as a warning, the email stated, “FIX IT OR THE WHOLE STAFF WILL FALL.” Following these allegations, Barnes forwarded the message to the university’s human resources department, which initiated an investigation leading to Mays’ arrest.
Criminal Charges Filed
Mays faces an extensive list of charges, totaling eleven criminal and misdemeanor offenses, including:
- Pimping
- Possession of automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines
- Possession of methamphetamine and marijuana with intent to sell
- Possession of child pornography and distribution of obscene matter involving a minor
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently being held without bail.
Impact on the Athletic Department
The escalating scandal disrupted the athletic department at Cal State Bakersfield. Following Mays’ arrest, both Rod Barnes and athletic director Kyle Conder resigned from their positions in September 2025. The university has initiated national searches for their replacements. Acting athletic director Sarah Tuohy and university president Vernon Harper addressed the situation, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the athletics program.
University’s Response to the Allegations
University officials, aware of the gravity of the allegations, engaged with local experts on human trafficking and initiated education training on campus. Jennifer Self, the university’s senior director of strategic communications, stated that the administration is taking a close look at the department’s operations to ensure alignment with university values.
Broader Issues Within the Athletics Program
The Mays case is not the sole controversy affecting the university’s sports teams. A separate scandal emerged from allegations of harassment involving the softball team, leading to investigations into coaches Leticia Olivarez and James Davenport. These accusations included physical and verbal abuse, and Davenport also faced allegations concerning illegal weapons.
Legal Actions and Investigations
As investigations unfolded, both coaches faced serious claims. Davenport, whose contract ended in May 2025, had previously filed complaints against the university, which he claimed did not adequately respond to issues raised by student-athletes. Ongoing lawsuits from anonymous softball players accuse the administration of negligence regarding complaints about Mays.
This intricate web of allegations within the athletic department illustrates a troubling culture and raises questions about oversight and accountability. As the community watches, the fallout from these incidents has drawn significant attention from students and media alike.
Kevin Mays awaits trial, with the preliminary hearing now set for March 13, 2026. As the case progresses, the university continues to navigate the complexities of its respondents and the broader implications for its athletics and student body at large.
