In a surprising twist for Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, an NCAA investigation has revealed some eyebrow-raising behavior from his time as Arizona State’s defensive coordinator.
During the COVID-19 dead period in 2021, Pierce allegedly orchestrated a visit to a strip club for the parents of an Arizona State recruit.
This revelation has led the NCAA to preemptively suspend Pierce for one year if he decides to return to college coaching.
Behind the Scenes at Arizona State
Back when he was working under former NFL coach Herm Edwards, Pierce was said to be the mastermind behind an improper recruiting scheme.
This operation enabled Arizona State to gain early access to prospects, despite in-person visits being banned due to the pandemic.
Reports indicate that at least 10 recruits and their families were treated to a weekend on the university’s Tempe, Arizona campus.
This extravagant outing included complimentary hotel stays, trips to a bowling alley, video game arcades, and lavish meals, all while being chauffeured in a van for a comprehensive tour of the football facilities.
The plot thickened when Pierce and a non-coaching staff member, Anthony Garnett, instructed a staff member to drive the van to a nearby gentleman’s club for one night.
Despite her objections, she was told to comply. In the end, Pierce, Garnett, and the recruit’s parents made their way to the club.
Facing the Music: NCAA Findings
The NCAA’s report painted a stark picture of Pierce’s disregard for rules, suggesting he felt insulated from consequences due to his financial status.
Interestingly, a bankruptcy filing involving Pierce’s wife revealed that he had invested in car dealerships that defaulted on $28 million in loans.
The NCAA claimed that Pierce’s actions were driven by a need to maintain a strong recruiting presence amid concerns that other schools were bending the rules during the dead period.
The investigation further detailed how Pierce exploited his authority over the football program, pressuring staff members into violating NCAA rules by threatening their job security if they didn’t comply with his demands.
Consequences for Arizona State
In April, it was announced that Arizona State’s football program would face four years of probation along with a fine, stemming from the violations that occurred under Edwards, who was dismissed in 2022.
Four former staff members received show-cause penalties ranging from 3 to 10 years.
Among them, Pierce is now looking at an eight-year show-cause order.
This means that any NCAA program that considers hiring him in that time frame will need to justify why they shouldn’t be sanctioned.
Meanwhile, Garnett is facing a five-year show-cause order.
The Sun Devils were also forced to vacate wins involving ineligible players, received a reduction in scholarships, and faced recruiting restrictions.
Despite self-imposing a postseason ban in 2023, Arizona State will be eligible for bowl games following the 2024 regular season, marking their first year in the Big 12.
Jason Leonard, the NCAA’s executive director of athletics compliance, praised the university for its cooperation during the investigation.
A Troubling Past
The issues at Arizona State date back three years, when the program reportedly flouted recruiting restrictions that were put in place during the COVID-19 dead period.
The NCAA concluded that Edwards committed a “responsibility violation” and that the school allowed improper recruiting practices, including inducements and tampering.
Arizona State president Michael Crow expressed disappointment and embarrassment over the actions of former staff members, highlighting that the rules were designed not only for fairness but for the safety of student-athletes and their families during the pandemic.
Pierce’s NFL Journey
At 45, Pierce transitioned from college coaching to the NFL, serving as an assistant and recruiting coordinator for Arizona State from 2017 to 2021.
After resigning before the 2022 season, he joined the Raiders as linebackers coach.
He stepped up to replace Josh McDaniels in October and was named head coach in January, dropping the “interim” label.
Beyond his coaching career, Pierce is known for rushing teammate Plaxico Burress to the hospital after the wide receiver accidentally shot himself at a strip club in 2008.
Though he faced scrutiny for allegedly attempting to conceal Burress’ gun, Pierce was ultimately cleared of any criminal wrongdoing.
As Pierce navigates this complex situation, the future remains uncertain for him both in coaching and personally.