In April my 18 year old son was 'scouted' by a Representative from a Recruitment College - Custom College Recruiting -from the US whilst they were in the UK, offering to find him a place at a basketball Prep School/College in the USA due to his outstanding basketball skills/talent.
He was then contacted by Sam Rines and offered a place at Rise Basketball Academy, Philadelphia at cost of $18,500. The term was to start September offering high class schooling, housing and basketball tutoring/matches across parts of the USA.
To our family this was a truly, massively expensive amount, but the Recruitment College confirmed that Rise Basketball was a 'reputable Academy' and we were lead to believe by Sam Rines that my son would have a 'once in a lifetime opportunity' to get a College/University Scholarship in the USA.
After having to take a loan and paying the fees stated, we were in contact with Sam Rines via email and telephone over a five month period requesting a contract and my sons I-20 Visa Application. All the time we were stalled on both counts. Sam Rines finally said the US Government were not issuing I-20 Visas (which we later find out was completely untrue) and to come out on a B2 Visitors Visa and say to the Immigration Board that Joe was to stay at his house.
I contacted the US Immigration for advice on this and was told an I-20 was imperative and Immigration advised us to cancel the placement immediately as he would not be allowed into the US on any other type of Visa other than the I-20.
We contacted Sam Rines immediately informing him of this advice and he said that we were give 'bad advice' but he promised verbally and in writing to refund all monies. Since this time he has not refunded monies and would not contact us despite many numerous attempts.
We were understandably distraught, but finally found assistance from the British Basketball Association - BBA (USA) with this problem and with their help, over the last year Sam Rines has been contacted by the BBA, and although he admitted he had 'spent the money' we sent, he would still not reimburse us.
Over the following months, we have gone through all the correct channels for assistance in this matter, having filed a complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General, contacted a lawyer who informed he could assist us, but it would be an expensive case - money Sam Rines knows we do not have. Now a local Pennsylvania TV company has shown interest in assisting us in our case, as we have found other people Sam Rines has financially treated in this similar way.
Since Sam Rines was contacted recently by the TV company, he has been in contact with me by email, but still states he has little way of financially reimburse me. I have suggested he take out a loan as I had to, but as yet I have again had no reply to this email.
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