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Former AAU basketball coach Myron Piggie, who was charged in federal court with a felony count of conspiracy fraud and a misdemeanor count of failure to file income taxes, was sentenced to 37 months of jail without parole and a fine of $320,000 in restitution.

Piggie was charged with paying money to former UCLA standout JaRon Rush and his brother Kareem, who attends Missouri.

Under a plea bargain, 10 other charges were dropped that involved intent to commit fraud against Corey Maggette and Andre Williams. Piggie must pay a sum of $256,617 to UCLA, Missouri, Duke and Oklahoma State, the NCAA and the Pembroke Hill high school, in addition to $67,662 to the IRS.

“Rather than showing (the players) the right way,” said U.S. District Judge Gary Fenner who heard the case, “hard work, setting goals and developing their talent – (Piggie’s) example was one of greed and opportunism.”

“I apologize to the kids who have to go through this,” Piggie said during sentencing. “They know my heart and I know their hearts. They know I didn’t intentionally set out to hurt anyone.”

Brief compiled by AJ Cadman, Daily Bruin Senior Staff. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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