California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) is grappling with a severe scandal involving a recently hired temporary assistant basketball coach. Kevin Mays, who joined the men’s basketball staff in June for a salary slightly over $3,000 per month, faces multiple felony charges including pimping, possession of automatic firearms, and possession of controlled substances with intent to sell.
The scandal surfaced after an anonymous email sent to then-head coach Rod Barnes alleged that Mays was involved in human trafficking across four states. The tipster named a woman trafficked by Mays since May and issued a stern warning to "fix it or the whole staff will fall." The email was promptly forwarded to university authorities, sparking a police investigation and leading to Mays’ arrest.
According to Bakersfield police, Mays is being held without bail and faces 11 criminal and misdemeanor charges. These include possession of more than 600 images of child pornography involving minors, amplifying the gravity of the allegations. The investigation is ongoing, with police conducting further interviews to ascertain if there are other victims or additional charges.
Details of the Investigation and Evidence
The investigation uncovered that Mays allegedly used a university-affiliated vehicle rental account to facilitate the trafficking operation. The vehicle, rented from Enterprise at the Bakersfield airport under a university contract, was reportedly used by the alleged victim in her sex work activities. University employees reportedly received preferred rates with Enterprise, but the university said Mays had only been compensated through his salary and had no additional reimbursements.
A Sacramento police sting operation corroborated the tipster’s claims when officers arranged a "date" with the alleged victim, confirming Mays’ control over her sex work. Text message evidence showed his involvement in covering costs for vehicles, hotels, and flights that facilitated her activities. Following his arrest, searches of Mays’ property revealed firearms, drugs, and further incriminating materials.
Impact on Cal State Bakersfield’s Athletic Department
The fallout has been significant for CSUB’s athletics. Both Rod Barnes, the men’s basketball coach with a 14-year tenure including NCAA tournament appearances, and athletic director Kyle Conder have left their positions since the scandal became public. The university has not formally explained the reasons behind their departures.
In an internal response, CSUB launched a broad review of its athletic department. Acting athletic director Sarah Tuohy and university president Vernon Harper announced national searches for new leadership. The university also engaged a local human trafficking expert and rolled out awareness and education programs on campus.
Senior director of strategic communications Jennifer Self emphasized that the charges were deeply concerning. The university commissioned a panel to assess its athletic programs and develop recommendations to realign operations with its mission and values.
Additional Turmoil in the Athletic Program
The basketball scandal unfolded amid other complaints within CSUB’s athletic department. A player from the softball team publicly accused two coaches, Leticia Olivarez and James Davenport, of verbal, sexual, and physical harassment. An internal investigation substantiated allegations of misconduct against Davenport, linking him to illegal weapon sales and threats involving a firearm.
Davenport’s contract expired in May, while Olivarez remains on paid leave. Meanwhile, Conder filed a lawsuit claiming wrongful termination and retaliation for whistleblowing. He alleged that he had previously reported misconduct within athletics but was dismissed without due process.
Two anonymous softball players separately sued the university and Davenport, alleging Conder failed to act on complaints regarding Mays. The university denies these claims and seeks to dismiss the lawsuit. The complex interplay of allegations illustrates a pattern of unchecked misbehavior and administrative dysfunction.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Community Reaction
Mays has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains in custody awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for March. The Kern County District Attorney’s Office has declined to comment to preserve the integrity of ongoing proceedings.
Students have expressed mixed reactions, some unsurprised by the turmoil. One student noted the town’s reputation for negative news, describing the scandal as an extreme, though unexpected, chapter for the university’s athletic community.
CSUB continues to navigate the repercussions of these incidents with a focus on institutional reform and restoring trust within its programs. The investigations remain active as authorities and the university work to address the serious allegations linked to a once-valued member of the coaching staff.
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