Former College Basketball Coach Accused of Leading Double Life as Pimp

Kevin Mays allegedly trafficked women across four states while working as an assistant coach at Cal State Bakersfield

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A former assistant basketball coach at Cal State Bakersfield, Kevin Mays, has been charged with a litany of crimes including pimping, drug offenses, and child pornography after a tip prompted a university police investigation. Mays allegedly led a double life, working as a coach by day and operating as a pimp across California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington by night.

Why it matters

The case highlights the troubling issue of human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, even by those in positions of trust and authority. It also raises questions about oversight and accountability within college athletic programs.

The details

According to the report, the investigation began after the team's head coach, Rod Barnes, received an anonymous email warning him about Mays' alleged criminal activities. The email identified a woman Mays had allegedly trafficked for months. Police then conducted a sting operation, leading to Mays' arrest on 11 charges, including pimping, firearms possession, and drug offenses. None of Mays' alleged victims are Cal State Bakersfield students or staff, but police reports indicate he used a university account to purchase a rental car used for alleged trafficking.

  • In August, the team's head coach, Rod Barnes, received an anonymous email identifying a woman Mays had allegedly trafficked for months.
  • In September, police ran a sting operation in a hotel room that Mays had rented, leading to his arrest.
  • Mays' preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 13, 2026, after being delayed nearly five months.

The players

Kevin Mays

A former assistant basketball coach at Cal State Bakersfield who has been charged with a litany of crimes, including pimping, drug offenses, and child pornography.

Rod Barnes

The head coach of the Cal State Bakersfield basketball team, who received the anonymous email that prompted the investigation into Mays.

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What’s next

Mays' preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 13, 2026, where a judge will decide whether to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for greater oversight and accountability within college athletic programs, as well as the ongoing battle against human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, even by those in positions of trust.