Not-guilty plea for Jay Vincent but deal looms

Aug 31, 2010 - 9:24 PM GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) -- Court filings show a plea bargain is in the works for ex-Michigan State basketball star and retired NBA player Jay Vincent, who appeared in court Tuesday on charges in a $2 million Internet scam.

Vincent was silent in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids as a not-guilty plea to fraud and tax charges was entered on his behalf. But a judge also set a Sept. 28 hearing for him to change that plea.

Defense lawyer Charles Ford said there could be a guilty plea if it is in his "client's best interest." He declined further comment. The U.S. attorney's office declined to comment.

Vincent and an associate are accused of defrauding people by charging them to become certified as home inspectors.

He and Magic Johnson played on the 1979 Michigan State national championship team. From 1981-90, Vincent played for Dallas, Washington, Denver, San Antonio, the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia in the NBA.