In 2004, Mr. Johnson became involved in the University of Colorado football recruiting scandal when he agreed to represent Pasha Cowan – a key witness in a state grand jury probe of illegal activity surrounding the recruitment of athletes to the Boulder, Colorado campus. Reports of alleged sexual assaults by CU football players prompted scrutiny of the university’s recruiting practices by national news media outlets; and ultimately led to the convening of the grand jury.
Ms. Cowan was the former manager of Best Variety escort service. Johnson negotiated with state prosecutors to ensure that Cowan would not be prosecuted for her role in providing prostitutes to football recruits being recruited by the CU football program. Many of the facts about Ms. Cowan’s role in the investigation were reported in a May 21, 2004 USA Today article that quoted Mr. Johnson extensively: “Grand jury hears testimony involving Colorado recruiting scandal.”