In a stunning and unexpected turn of events, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Steve Cherundolo has been suspended indefinitely by the NBA and sentenced to seven years in federal prison, following his conviction on charges related to financial fraud and obstruction of justice.
The announcement came early Monday morning following weeks of speculation and closed-door legal proceedings. The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed that Cherundolo, 46, was found guilty of orchestrating a multi-million dollar tax evasion scheme involving offshore accounts, shell corporations, and forged financial disclosures.
📉 Fallout Across the NBA
The NBA released a statement shortly after the ruling:
“We are aware of the conviction of Coach Steve Cherundolo and take these matters with the utmost seriousness. Effective immediately, Coach Cherundolo is suspended indefinitely from all league activities. We will continue to monitor the situation and work with authorities.”
Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka expressed “shock and disappointment” at the developments.
“This is not only a legal matter, but a breach of trust. Our focus now is on stabilizing the team and ensuring our players have the leadership they need.”
Assistant coach Phil Handy will take over head coaching duties on an interim basis, with the Lakers set to face the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.
💼 Inside the Case
Federal investigators allege that Cherundolo diverted over $8.7 million in undeclared income over the past five years, primarily through international appearances and undisclosed endorsements. The case reportedly involved cooperation from financial institutions in the Cayman Islands and Switzerland.
Court documents revealed attempts by Cherundolo to delete financial records and mislead investigators—acts that resulted in additional obstruction of justice charges.
Despite pleading not guilty earlier this year, a jury convicted him on all counts after a three-week trial in Los Angeles Federal Court. U.S. District Judge Marla Henson handed down the seven-year sentence and ordered him to pay restitution totaling $3.2 million.
🧾 Public Reaction and Career Impact
Fans, players, and analysts across the sports world have expressed disbelief. Cherundolo, a former U.S. soccer star turned unlikely NBA head coach, was only appointed to the Lakers position in 2024. His hiring had been seen as bold and unorthodox, and his record was a mixed bag in his short tenure.
Lakers forward LeBron James Jr. (Bronny) commented briefly:
“We were caught off guard. It’s tough. We just want to keep moving forward and play ball.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is expected to hold a press conference later today.
📜 A Cautionary Tale
Steve Cherundolo’s rise from international soccer icon to NBA coach was already one of the most unconventional career paths in modern sports. Now, it’s one marred by scandal, criminal conviction, and a fall from grace that will go down in league history.
