Players Had Suspected Drug Use by Coach in ’97

Cal State Northridge’s athletic director said in an interview Sunday that members of the women’s basketball team had expressed concerns nearly two years ago that their coach, Michael Abraham, was using drugs.

Back then, athletic director Paul Bubb took no action, he said, because the coach denied the charges.

Last Tuesday, Abraham was arrested in the campus gymnasium by the FBI and later charged with possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of crack cocaine.

In an interview after the arrest, Bubb said he had “never” heard even rumors about Abraham being involved with illegal drugs. But on Sunday evening, he disclosed that students had reported their suspicions to him.

He said that in February 1997, several players--none of whom are still on the basketball team--approached him with a litany of concerns about Abraham, including one involving drugs.

“They thought he might have a drug problem,” Bubb said in a telephone interview. “We reviewed it, and I couldn’t find anything to substantiate it.

“They did not accuse him of drug trafficking. They said his behavior was a little erratic. I met with Michael Abraham and he denied using drugs.”

Bubb’s investigation ended there. He said he was not contacted by the FBI or any law enforcement officials and added that the players had not specified cocaine as the drug they suspected Abraham of using.

“I did a review and was comfortable that nothing could be substantiated,” Bubb said.

Officials with the U.S. attorney’s office in Omaha said the arrest followed a two-year investigation and was linked to $53,000 seized at an airport in Omaha and three kilograms of cocaine seized at Burbank Airport.

Abraham was released from jail Wednesday on $100,000 bail and placed on paid administrative leave by CSUN. He faces extradition to Omaha to stand trial on the charges.

He has remained in the area, according to current players who have stayed in touch with him. They said he denies the charges.

“He said it’s not true,” said Jamilah Jones, a junior guard from Compton. “Coach Michael said he’s done some things in his past that caught up with him. But he said never has he sold drugs.”

Viveca Lof, a sophomore center from Norrkoping, Sweden, said she has spent time with both Abraham and his wife, Trisonya, who live one block from campus.

“We see the Coach Michael we know,” Lof said. “I know he’s a good person. He says he didn’t do it and I don’t have any reason not to believe him.”

Jones and Lof said they had never seen any indication Abraham used or sold drugs.

“That’s why everybody is so shocked,” Lof said. “It came totally out of the blue. He didn’t do anything wrong toward me. I feel real compassion for his family.”

The two players remain steadfast in their loyalty to the coach who led them to a record of 14-14 last season. It was Northridge’s best season since joining Division I in 1990.

“Everybody has skeletons in their closet,” Jones said. “I don’t feel betrayed.”

Abraham did not return phone calls from The Times on Sunday. His mother-in-law said he is out of town until Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Northridge team is preparing for its season, which begins Nov. 14 against Oakland University.

“He said to make him proud,” Lof said.