Another Plea Bargain in Tulane’s Point-Shaving and Drug Scandal

The man accused of originating a point-shaving and drug conspiracy that led to the termination of Tulane University’s 57-year-old men’s basketball program pleaded guilty to some criminal charges Tuesday in a plea bargain with prosecutors.

Gary Krantz, a 21-year-old Tulane student from New Rochelle, N.Y., pleaded guilty to 10 counts of sports bribery and two counts of conspiracy in the case.

In return, prosecutors said they would not prosecute Krantz on several drug charges, as well as conspiracy and sports bribery charges evolving from a game last season against Virginia Tech.

Of eight people originally indicted in the case, four have now agreed to cooperate in the case against the other four. Additionally, two former Tulane basketball players were promised immunity from prosecution in return for their cooperation.

Sentencing of those who entered guilty pleas will be done after the others are tried, said Judge Alvin Oser of Orleans Parish Criminal District Court.

Basketball players John (Hot Rod) Williams and sophomore point guard David Dominique face separate trials later this summer, along with convicted bookie Roland Ruiz and alleged bagman Craig Bourgeois.

Williams, a 6-10 All-American candidate and the 1983-84 Metro Conference Player of the Year, will be the first to stand trial Aug. 5.