The Cal State Bakersfield men’s basketball program currently sits at the bottom of the Big West standings, but developments off the court could dig the program even deeper. Following an investigation first reported by ESPN, the university is reeling from a scandal involving Kevin Mays, a temporary assistant coach who police allege was operating a multi-state pimping ring while employed by the school.

The situation escalated on Aug. 29, when then-head coach Rod Barnes received an anonymous email titled “IMPORTANT MESSAGE 911 911.” The sender, whom police believe was a fellow sex worker, alleged that Mays was trafficking a woman across California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. The email included a warning to "FIX IT OR THE WHOLE STAFF WILL FALL."

Mays was a former player for the university from 2014 to 2016 and returned to the department in 2019. Despite a criminal background check conducted by the university that returned no issues, police reports now detail a complex operation. Investigators found that Mays allegedly used the university’s corporate account with Enterprise Rent-A-Car to secure vehicles for the sex work operation. While the university stated Mays paid with his own money and was not reimbursed for these rentals, a spokesperson confirmed employees receive "preferred" rates and noted the investigation into the contract usage remains open.

The investigation led to a sting operation at a Sacramento hotel room rented in Mays' name. The woman involved identified Mays as her "boyfriend" and stated he covered her travel expenses, while text messages allegedly showed his control over her work. Upon his arrest, a search of Mays' property reportedly uncovered automatic rifles and drugs. A subsequent search of his phone revealed nearly 600 images of child pornography.

Mays has pleaded not guilty to 11 criminal counts, including pimping and drug distribution. His attorney, David Torres, has declined to comment.

The fallout resulted in the September departures of both Barnes and athletic director Kyle Conder. Conder has since filed a lawsuit against the university, alleging he was a "scapegoat" and claiming his termination was retaliation for whistleblowing regarding misconduct within the department. The university has denied these claims and stated it intends to challenge the legal sufficiency of the lawsuit.