Former Cal State Bakersfield Coach Arrested on Pimping and Child Pornography Charges

Kevin Mays, a former player-development coordinator, was hired as a temporary assistant coach before his arrest in September 2025.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cal State Bakersfield made headlines for a shocking story ahead of the upcoming NCAA men's basketball March Madness tournament. Kevin Mays, a former Roadrunners basketball player who was later hired as a player-development coordinator and temporary assistant coach, was arrested in September 2025 on charges including pimping, possession of automatic firearms, and possession and distribution of child pornography.

Why it matters

This case raises serious concerns about the vetting process for college coaching hires and the need for greater oversight to prevent such disturbing criminal behavior from infiltrating college sports programs. It also highlights the broader issue of human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

The details

According to reports, Mays was arrested near his apartment in southwest Bakersfield after the university's head coach, Rod Barnes, received a tip in August 2025 that Mays was working as a pimp across four states: Las Vegas, Oregon, Washington, and California. A police search of Mays' car and apartment revealed multiple firearms, narcotics, and close to 600 images of child pornography. Mays has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

  • In June 2025, Kevin Mays was hired as a temporary assistant coach under former Roadrunners head coach Rod Barnes.
  • In August 2025, Barnes received a tip that Mays was working as a pimp across four states.
  • In September 2025, Mays was arrested near his apartment in southwest Bakersfield.
  • Later in September 2025, Barnes abruptly ended his tenure with the program.
  • A preliminary hearing for Mays is scheduled for March 13, 2026.

The players

Kevin Mays

A former Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners basketball player who was hired as a player-development coordinator and temporary assistant coach before his arrest on charges including pimping, possession of automatic firearms, and possession and distribution of child pornography.

Rod Barnes

The former head coach of the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners basketball team, who received a tip in August 2025 that Mays was working as a pimp and later abruptly ended his tenure with the program.

Vernon Harper

The president of Cal State Bakersfield, who stated that Mays' background was reportedly checked and cleared before he was hired.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Mays has pleaded not guilty on all charges. His attorney, David Torres, declined comment to ESPN.”

— David Torres, Attorney (ESPN)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 13 whether or not to allow Kevin Mays out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring of college coaching hires to prevent individuals with serious criminal histories from infiltrating college sports programs and exploiting vulnerable student-athletes and community members.