Former Connecticut star Richard Hamilton, now a key member of the Detroit Pistons, is suing a former associate, Josh Nochimson, for $1 million in theft. Nochimson is a central figure in the ongoing recruiting investigation at Connecticut because he is accused of improperly steering Nate Miles to the Huskies. Miles was dismissed from the team before he ever played, but Connecticut remains under investigation because Nochimson allegedly paid for Miles’ lodging, transportation and meals, among other things.
Nochimson was a student manager with the Huskies while Hamilton helped lead Connecticut to the 1999 national title. He followed Hamilton to the NBA, and Hamilton agreed to help Nochimson start a career in sports management. However, Hamilton said in the lawsuit that he feels Nochimson betrayed his trust and improperly used his access to Hamilton’s financial information. The Associated Press outlines the expenses Nochimson racked up, according to the lawsuit, and the history between Hamilton and his former business manager.
It also accuses Nochimson of using 1.4 million of Hamilton’s American Express frequent flyer miles; failing to pay back $80,000 lent to Nochimson to repair a Maryland house; improperly transferring at least $3,000 from Hamilton’s bank accounts into Nochimson’s private account; and writing about $112,000 in unauthorized checks from Hamilton’s bank account.
After Hamilton was drafted by the Washington Wizards in 1999, Nochimson tagged along, becoming his personal assistant. In exchange, Hamilton provided him a place to live, living expenses and experience that Nochimson hoped to use to begin a career in sports management, according to the lawsuit.
Hamilton later agreed to pay Nochimson $25,000 a year, then raised that to $45,000 and finally $50,000, giving Nochimson the title of business manager. As part of that job, Nochimson had access to Hamilton’s bank accounts and American Express card to pay Hamilton’s bills, the lawsuit said.
Although Nochimson is innocent until proven guilty, there are enough charges of improper actions surrounding him that he makes a good example of the type of shady characters that talented young players need to avoid. Even if Nochimson is found innocent of all charges related to Hamilton and Miles, Nochimson has brought unwanted negative attention to the Huskies and Hamilton.
