ESPN

The FBI has made several arrests in connection to the illegal gambling operation. The 39 count indictment alleges that Fausto Bassani, the head of the Geovanese crime family, authorized associates to contact members of the Buffalo Bulls football team in an effort to influence the score of several Bulls games in the 2005 through 2007 seasons. During this time period the Bulls were 8-27, including seasons of 1-10 in 2005 and 2-10 in 2006, head coach Turner Gill's first season. In exchange for their assistance, Bassani had gifts, money and other favors given to the players involved.

Calls to the NCAA office regarding the arrests and indictments was met with a brief statement, stating that the NCAA would issue a more lengthy statement when all the facts are presented and the NCAA can meet with Buffalo University officials. "What we do know at the moment, having seen some of the indictment per the University's request, is that Buffalo University, Coach Turner Gill and the athletic department is not culpable in this matter. The charged associates have not been previously listed as official donors of the program. Knowing this, President (Myles) Brand can say with some sense of certainty that major violations have not been committed."

A press conference has been scheduled for 8pm at Buffalo University, where both Turner Gill and AD Warde Manuel will appear. 

Paul Sitzer is an investigative reporter for ESPN.com. He can be reached at buffalobullsdynasty@yahoo.com .