In a stunning and rapidly developing story, Jeffrey Cariaso, head coach of the Alaska Aces basketball team, has been officially declared wanted by state authorities in connection with the implementation of a controversial and allegedly unauthorized training protocol that has sparked both legal and public outrage.
According to initial reports, Cariaso is under investigation for enforcing a physically intense and psychologically demanding program on players, which allegedly violated both labor safety standards and athlete welfare laws recently passed in the state of Alaska.
The Shocking Allegations
Multiple anonymous sources from within the team and coaching staff have come forward, claiming that Cariaso’s program included extreme endurance drills in sub-freezing conditions, food and sleep deprivation during training camps, and alleged verbal coercion. The approach was reportedly introduced mid-season and led to several players seeking medical attention, with at least one hospitalization due to hypothermia and exhaustion.
The Alaska Department of Health and Labor, in coordination with the state’s Athletic Oversight Committee, issued a warrant late Tuesday evening, citing “willful endangerment, violation of occupational health standards, and the unlawful imposition of unlicensed physical conditioning regimens.”
“This is not about pushing athletes to be better—it’s about crossing a line into cruelty,” said Deputy Commissioner Laura Emerson in a press briefing. “There are laws in place to protect all workers, including professional athletes, from abusive practices. No one is above those laws.”
Cariaso’s Whereabouts Unknown
As of Wednesday morning, Jeffrey Cariaso has not responded publicly, and his current location remains unknown. Anchorage police confirmed that attempts to reach him at his residence and workplace have been unsuccessful. Team officials have also stated that Cariaso has been unreachable since late last night.
The Alaska Aces released a brief statement:
“We are fully cooperating with the investigation and take these allegations very seriously. At this time, Coach Cariaso is on indefinite administrative leave. The health and safety of our players is our highest priority.”
Divided Reactions Across the Sports Community
News of the warrant has sent shockwaves through Alaska’s sports world and beyond. Cariaso, a respected figure in basketball circles and a former professional player in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), was hailed just months ago for revitalizing the Aces with his rigorous discipline and structured approach.
However, critics say the methods went too far.
“This was never just tough coaching—this bordered on militaristic abuse,” said one former assistant under the condition of anonymity. “Players were scared to speak up because of how much power Cariaso had in the organization.”
Others have come to his defense, claiming the situation is being exaggerated. “Jeffrey has always been a hard but fair coach,” said a former player. “I never saw him do anything harmful on purpose. This feels like a witch hunt.”
What’s Next?
The investigation is ongoing. If apprehended and charged, Cariaso could face serious legal consequences, including potential jail time and a lifetime ban from coaching in the state of Alaska. The Athletic Oversight Committee is also reviewing the Alaska Aces’ organizational leadership for possible complicity or failure to intervene.
The story has gained national attention, with civil rights groups, sports psychologists, and athlete unions weighing in. Meanwhile, players from the Aces have been offered counseling and the team’s season has been temporarily suspended.
Leave a Reply