Washington DC– July 8, 2025 – After nearly seven years of damage to his reputation, internationally respected basketball coach **Keith Graves Jr has been fully exonerated in connection with a 2018 defamation case. The U.S. federal government issued a $24,000 settlement and a formal apology, clearing Graves of all allegations.
In the written apology, the federal agent admitted, “Mr. Graves should not have been under investigation. At the time of the alleged incident, he was coaching at an international youth tournament. This was a mistake, and we want to formally clear this up. It’s painful to see how a career built on hard work and mentorship can be threatened without evidence,” he said. “The fact that we won this case in 2020 and still haven’t received the full compensation is shocking.
Despite the false accusations, Graves maintained all professional certifications, including his USA Gold Coach License and teaching credentials, passing FBI background checks and continuing to work legally.
He also recalled troubling pressure from law enforcement. “An officer once asked me, ‘Why didn’t you just tell on Mr. Hines?’” Graves said. “What would you do if people were threatening your family?”
A Resilient Coaching Legacy
For over a decade, Graves has mentored hundreds of student-athletes across the U.S. and Asia, many of whom went on to successful college or professional basketball careers. During the legal fight, several former players and families defended him, some revealing they were pressured to make false claims. If I don't have a good lawyer I probably would have been wrongfully charged. Asia is home for me now . I will only visit home once a year.
Graves rebuilt his coaching career overseas, leading teams across Asia to six championships including China’s 2024 national title. His players and peers consistently describe him as a committed mentor.
“Coach Keith changed my life,” said John Randolph , a former player now playing professionally in Brazil. “Even after the allegations, he helped me get into college. Our money was transferred to a company bank account with Mr Hines not Coach’s. Players say Keith gave us food, a place to stay, even slept on the floor so we’d be comfortable.”
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