“The Numbers in Sports - Investigating Sports Non-Profits" by Craig Harris

“The Numbers in Sports - Investigating Sports Non-Profits" by Craig Harris

• 1.
  How looking atthe Fiesta Bowl’s finances (990s) resulted in the CEO going to prison
• 2.
  Elite culture. The bowlis run by four non-profits. The bowl pays no income taxes.
• 3.
  A 990 isan annual tax return that must be filed each year with the IRS by tax-exempt, non-profit organizations. Places to find 990s: *guidestar.org *citizenaudit.org *http://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/ Tax-exempt organizations, by law, also must let you view their 990 forms.
• 4.
   Revenues andexpenses: Lines 12 and 18 on the first page of current 990s.  Net assets: Line 22 of first page (Shows financial health)
• 5.
   Independent Contractors.From 2000 to 2009, the Fiesta Bowl spent nearly $1.5 million on lobbyists.
• 6.
   Salaries andperks: Two areas in 990. Look to see if a non-profit is providing first-class airfare, housing allowance, club dues or personal services. (Highest compensated employees)
• 7.
   The bowlprovided two executives interest-free, non-secured $120,000 loan so they could become members of an exclusive golf club. (See Loans to/from Interested Persons)
• 8.
   From 2000to 2009, the Fiesta Bowl spent $2.6 million on the Fiesta Frolic, an annual golf retreat at a Phoenix-area resort for college officials. (See Business Transactions)
• 9.
  Be Ready ToChange Course
• 10.
  Pulled 10 yearsof federal, state and local campaign contributions of bowl employees. Pattern emerged. Story led to state and federal criminal investigation.
• 11.
  John Junker (left)fired. Junker went to a federal prison in Tucson Five other Fiesta Bowl employees have criminal records. The bowl no longer hires lobbyists. End of perks
• 12.
  Looked at entire BCSSystem in 2011 Pulled 990s for all four major bowls Similar findings with the Fiesta Bowl
• 13.
   Fiesta BowlStill Among Top 6 Bowl Games.  Net Assets of $50.6 million.  Ex. Director Robert Shelton, who replaced Junker, was paid $589,645 in 2013-14.  Hosting College Football’s Championship Game on Jan. 11, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz.
• 14.
  Pro sports teams. Retiredsports figures. Youth sports. University fund-raising arms.
• 15.
  To see storiesgo to: www.azcentral.com/news/bcs/ Contact: Craig Harris 602-444-8478 [email protected] twitter: charrisazrep