Trial puts spotlight on dark side of college basketball

NEW YORK (AP) - Attorneys are set to give their opening statements in the New York trial of three men charged with orchestrating payments to the families of top recruits to U.S. college basketball programs.

Prosecutors will begin building their case Tuesday against former sports agent Christian Dawkins, former amateur league coach Merl Code and former Adidas executive James Gatto.

All have pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors say the men arranged to shower key basketball recruits and their families with money to steer them to schools and managers.

Four former assistant basketball coaches at major college basketball programs who were charged in the case are awaiting trial before other judges.

The scandal brought down coaching legend Rick Pitino of the University of Louisville. He was not charged, but his name will be mentioned at trial.