Share this @internewscast.com

A former University of Texas tennis coach who spent six months in prison for a college admission scandal that implicated others — including “Full House” actress Lori Loughlin — revealed on Thursday that he was placed on suicide watch while incarcerated.

Michael Center told “Good Morning America” that he did not realize he was committing a crime in 2015 when he accepted a $100,000 bribe from William Rick Singer in order to get the son of a venture capitalist accepted to the University of Texas. The college said they did not identify any other student who was implicated in the scheme, according to the Daily Mail.

“I’m not saying I was perfect but I never imagined that I was committing a crime, that I would go to prison, that I would carry a felony,” Center commented.

The ex-college tennis coach also claimed he was placed on suicide watch — with a prison guard allegedly saying he “didn’t want another Jeffrey Epstein.”

In February 2020, Center pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his involvement in the $25 million scheme, which prosecutors said involved sports coaches at high-ranking colleges accepting bribes to have students designated as athletes to facilitate their admission.

Center got the son of a venture capitalist into the University of Texas and established the man’s son as a tennis recruit even though he was a novice. Later, in June 2015, Singer allegedly flew to Austin to give Center a bag containing $60,000 in cash. Another $40,000 was reportedly given to the University of Texas by Singer as a donation.

Center told “Good Morning America” that he only accepted the money to fund the college’s tennis program and to build additional courts.

“There were a lot of people that were asking me and others to raise money and when that money came in, they were happy. No one complained,” he commented.

He also noted that the University of Texas has an “extensive vetting process,” and that school officials never questioned him regarding a letter of intent he signed for the venture capitalist’s son.

According to the Daily Mail, Center has not been able to find work following his release from prison in October 2020.

“If I let this beat me, I’m not being the person I want to be,’ he told “Good Morning America.” “I’m not being the person I want to be to my children. I need to show them that when you get knocked down, you get back up.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

DOJ Warns of ‘Grave’ Consequences as Abrego Garcia Challenges Trump Administration Over Fox News Comments

The Dec. 12, 2025, Fox News segment and Border Patrol Chief Gregory…

Chilling Threats: Husband’s Alleged Kidnapping Plot Against Kids Unveiled by Police

Inset: Guadalupe Granados (McAllen Police Department). Background: The 5700 block of North…

Breaking News: Man Arrested in Connection with Foiled Shooting Plot – Full Details Inside

A man has been charged for his alleged role in a conspiracy…

Homeless Individual Apprehended After Evading Officer During Panhandling Citation Attempt

Contributed by Staff GAINESVILLE, Fla. – On December 27, authorities arrested 73-year-old…

Judge Criticizes Trump Administration for Confusing Medicaid Data Sharing with ICE, Approves Limited Information Release

Background: Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Denver, Colorado (KDVR/YouTube). Inset: President…

Triple Arrest: Traffic Stop Uncovers Drug Cache and Stolen Firearm in Shocking Felony Bust

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Todd M. Bullinger, 39, Savanna Ann DeShane,…

DNA Links Colorado Mother Kimberlee Singler to Weapon in Tragic Double Homicide Case

Blood discovered on a weapon used in the tragic deaths of two…

LAPD Urgently Seeks Public’s Help in Identifying Young Boy Found with Dog in Abandoned Car After Attempted Theft

A surprising incident unfolded when a young boy and a dog were…

Tragic Family Violence: Grandson Allegedly Attacks 81-Year-Old Cancer Survivor in Shocking Home Assault

Background: The 8500 block of Jenny Drive in St. Louis, Missouri (Google…

Renewed Concerns Over Serial Killer as Three Bodies Discovered in City Bayous Within a Week

Authorities on Monday dismissed rumors suggesting that a serial killer is responsible…

Former Reality TV Star Tony McCollister Faces Disturbing Charges of Animal Abuse

In a disturbing case, Ohio law enforcement detained a man last week…

Lawsuit Alleges Hospital’s Fertility Error Led to Child’s Inherited Medical Issues from Unidentified Donor

Background: Oregon Health and Science University (KYW/YouTube). Inset: Medical equipment used in…