University of Georgia Coach Sentenced for Not Reporting Income From Camps

Former University of Georgia cheerleading coach Marilou Braswell on Friday was ordered by U.S. District Court Chief Judge C. Ashley Royal to pay $90,900 in restitution for not filing income tax returns from the money she received from cheerleading camps in 2003 and 2004 and sentenced to serve five years probation. She earned $27,641 in 2003 and $22,143 in 2004 in salary from the university and collected $708,278 and $538,005 from the cheerleading camps in those years. The camp tuition included housing in university dormitories, food in university dining halls and practice time in the university coliseum, but the university had to threaten to sue her to recover more than $300,000 for unpaid expenses associated with the camps. Ms. Braswell was fired after a Jewish cheerleader complained that her chances of making the team were hurt because she didn't participate in Bible studies and pregame prayers. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Associated Press.)