The Elevate Basketball Circuit was cancelled after just three days, with Founder David Kelly mysteriously disappearing — Elevate Basketball Circuit
The questions around the sudden collapse and cancellation of the Elevate Basketball Circuit (EBC) rolls on, with questions about the conduct of its Founder and President, David Kelly, now sparking federal investigation.
On Wednesday, the Louisville branch of the FBI confirmed to USA TODAY High School Sports what had first been reported by Sports Illustrated: the FBI is formally investigating EBC and David Kelly.
Here’s the statement that FBI officials released to USA TODAY:
“The FBI is looking into the Elevate Basketball Circuit allegations and asks team managers to contact the office at Louisville.LS@ic.fbi.gov with any information.”
The FBI was not able to provide any additional information about the investigation while it is pending.
David Kelly Sr. — LinkedIn
The FBI’s involvement follows growing rancor nationwide about Kelly’s sudden disappearance with what may be a significant amount of money gained via entrance fees from club and AAU programs nationwide. EBC had charged $1,600 per team for the right to compete in the full spring and summer circuit of sanctioned events, yet only provided three days worth of competition before shutting down operations late Saturday night before gyms opened Sunday morning.
Kelly issued an official apology about the cancellation of the event late Monday night, but that has done little to sate anger at the collapse of EBC, which he had promised would be an industry-best series of events.