Myles Turner not surprised with NCAA scandal, says he is confident in agent Andy Miller

Despite all NBA teams opening training camp over the last week, they are well aware of the scandal that has hit college basketball — and it’s only just beginning.

Talking after morning practice on Thursday, Pacers center Myles Turner, who is three years removed from his one year at the University of Texas, says he’s not surprised with the FBI’s findings.

“I’m not surprised,” he said candidly. “I honestly think that a lot of people do it, it’s just a matter of who gets caught. In this situation, unfortunately a lot of people are getting caught up in this scandal.

“I went to the University of Texas — we’re squeaky clean — so I can’t be caught up in any of this stuff. It did come as a little bit of a surprise that the FBI got involved. It’s quite serious, and it sucks that a lot of schools are going to go down for this.”

The extent of shoe companies’ involvement and players being illegally compensated has been all rumors and speculation to this point. But the FBI, who has been working on the case for two-plus years, gathered intel that led to the arrest of 10 individuals, including former Pacer Chuck Person — an assistant at Auburn.

“The streets talk,” Turner said with a grin. “The streets be talking every now and then. I didn’t get involved in any of that. My parents were like, ‘Myles, we’re not taking money. I don’t care what you’re saying.’ [laughs]

“Fortunately, I’m glad we didn’t. I didn’t want to be caught up in the stuff that’s going on right now. And I’m in a position now where I don’t have to worry about money.”

Sources: Basketball agency ASM Sports was raided today. FBI had warrant, took Andy Miller's computer.

— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) September 26, 2017

Of note, one of the largest sports agencies representing NBA players is under the microscope. Andy Miller, who heads up ASM Sports, represents Turner — along with dozens of other players like Kristaps Porzingis, Kyle Lowry, Serge Ibaka, and Timofey Mozgov. He is also the agent for former Pacers Lavoy Allen and Rakeem Christmas.

Pacers rookie Edmond Sumner terminated his relationship with the agency, a source told VigilantSports.com, in light of the FBI probe.

Turner, meanwhile, pledged his support to Miller and his agency on Thursday.

“I’m not concerned with anything that’s going on at ASM,” he said. “There’s a lot of stuff people are going to tell me, a lot of stuff in the media. I have a lot of confidence in Andy Miller. I have a lot of confidence in him. I’m remaining loyal to him through thick and thin, which he has done with me.

“I’m supremely confident this will blow over with him. I have no worries whatsoever.”

[FanJam set for Oct. 15.]

Later Thursday, hours after talking to Turner, a reliable report came out form Darren Heitner (an attorney and writer for Forbes), who has been all over this story. Heitner reports that “several players” have terminated Miller as their agent.

Sources: Several players have already terminated basketball agent Andy Miller

— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) September 28, 2017

Turner said he’s been in constant communication with Andy Miller directly.

“I’ve talked to him every day,” Turner said. “He’s keeping me updated on everything that is going on.  He’s telling me, ‘You’re going to hear stuff.’ People are going to want me to go here, and people are going to want me to jump ship, but Andy’s my guy. I’m not going nowhere.”

Turner — who averaged 14.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in his sophomore campaign — is entering his third season in the NBA and has already had his option picked up for next year. Then, he’s in line to earn a substantial pay increase at the conclusion of his rookie deal (after his fourth year).

Agent community buzzing, wondering whether anyone else at ASM Sports, where Dawkins used to work, will be charged in basketball bribery case

— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) September 26, 2017