Second person arrested in connection with investigation into former members of men’s basketball program
Brian Johnson
A second person was arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into former members of the North Texas men’s basketball program Wednesday.
Brian “BJ” Johnson, former head team manager for the men’s basketball team and a UNT student was arrested on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity and possession of marijuana weighing less than two ounces, Denton court records say.
A UNT spokesperson confirmed both Johnson and former center Rickey Brice Jr’s arrests were made in connection with the investigation into organized criminal activity, drug possession and promotion of prostitution.
On Monday, May 1, Brice was booked into jail on the charge of marijuana possession weighing less than two ounces for an incident that occurred on April 6, according to Denton court records.
On Tuesday, warrants for four people, three of whom are University of North Texas students, were obtained, according to a statement sent by the university.
The other member of the men’s basketball program and fourth person not associated with the university have yet to be arrested.
“The alleged actions of these students are contrary to the values of our university and our Student Code of Conduct,” UNT President Neal Smatresk said in the emailed statement. “The university is cooperating fully with investigators and working diligently to obtain all facts pertaining to this issue. We will be transparent as possible with the university community.”
Rickey Brice Jr
Brice was with the Mean Green for two seasons before leaving the program on April 14 after the hiring of new head coach Grant McCasland. Brice played in 27 games last season and averaged 5.1 points per game.
Smatresk and UNT Vice President/Director of Athletics Wren Baker are using the law firm Bond Schoeneck & King to conduct an independent review to ensure there are no cultural or climate issues within the men’s basketball program, according to the release.
The firm will begin its review immediately. The athletics department has deferred all comments to the university.
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