USC fires associate coach Tony Bland in wake of FBI corruption probe

USC has fired associate coach Tony Bland, who was arrested last year for his alleged role in the FBI's corruption probe involving several NCAA basketball programs.

Bland was one of four NCAA assistant coaches arrested by the FBI in September in the bribery and corruption probe. The three coaches at the other schools, Arizona, Auburn and Oklahoma State, had already been fired.

Bland had been on administrative leave since his arrest. His attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, told the Los Angeles Times that Bland "appreciates his time" at USC.

"We're disappointed, obviously, as Tony enjoys the presumption of innocence in court but not with his employer," Lichtman said. "However, USC certainly treated him better than the other universities treated their indicted coaches and, for that, Tony is extremely grateful. He appreciates his time at USC and sends his best wishes to everyone including the administration, coaching staff and the players."

In November, a federal grand jury indicted Bland on four charges involving bribery. He pleaded not guilty.

One other person with alleged ties to the scandal, sophomore guard De'Anthony Melton, is still with the program although he was declared ineligible for the season as USC continues to investigate the case. The Times had previously identified another anonymous player listed in the FBI's complaint as five-star recruit Taeshon Cherry, a report his mother disputes. After committing to USC last June, Cherry transferred earlier this month to Arizona State.