Tony Bland Returns to College Basketball as Assistant Coach

Former college basketball coach Tony Bland is making a return to the sport after serving a significant NCAA penalty for his role in a major scandal. Bland, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in connection to a fraud scandal that shook college basketball, is set to join the coaching staff at Washington under head coach Danny Sprinkle.

After serving a three-year show-cause penalty, Bland has reportedly spent his time coaching at St. Bernard High School in Los Angeles and working with troubled youth in the area. Despite his past legal troubles, Bland has received support from those who know him well, including Judge Edgardo Ramos who praised Bland’s character and determination to overcome his rough upbringing in Los Angeles.

Bland’s involvement in the scandal, which included accepting money from a sports agent and financial planner in exchange for influencing NBA-bound USC players, led to his guilty plea in 2019. However, he managed to avoid prison time and instead received probation and community service.

Prior to his legal issues, Bland had a successful coaching career at USC and San Diego State, where he also played college basketball. His return to the college basketball scene at Washington marks a new chapter in his career, as he looks to put his past behind him and focus on mentoring young players on and off the court.