Celtics' Jerome Allen Allegedly Took Bribes from Businessman as Penn Head Coach

Boston Celtics assistant coach Jerome Allen reportedly finds himself in the middle of a scandal stemming from his previous job. 

According to Bloomberg's Michael Smith, David Voreacos and Eben Novy-Williams, Allen is being referred to as "Coach 2" in a criminal investigation surrounding his days as the head coach at the University of Pennsylvania. While Allen has not been charged with a crime, it is alleged that a Florida businessman named Philip Esformes "illicitly gave him more than $74,000 in the form of cash, a recruiting trip to Miami and a separate ride on a private jet in 2013 and 2014."

The alleged bribes were to help get Esformes' son Morris into Penn. 

According to the report, the recruiting visit would lead to Morris being labeled as a "recruited basketball player," which would enhance his chances of being admitted.

Per Bloomberg, Esformes is being charged with health-care fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and bribery.

Allen served as Penn's head coach from 2009-15, compiling a record of 65-104 during those six seasons. He posted one winning season during that span and led his team to the College Basketball Invitational in 2012. Meanwhile, the Quakers failed to reach double-digits in the win column four times under his leadership.

He resigned following a 9-19 campaign in 2014-15 and subsequently joined Brad Stevens' staff in Boston.

Morris Esformes reportedly attends Penn, but he has never played a minute for the Quakers basketball team.