Memphis, Tenn. ? A former high school football coach pleaded guilty to a federal racketeering charge Thursday for accepting $150,000 to steer a player to the University of Alabama.

Lynn Lang admitted crossing state lines ” for a trip to Tuscaloosa, Ala. ” to take part in a conspiracy to send defensive lineman Albert Means of Memphis’ Trezevant High to Alabama in 2000.

The university was sanctioned by the NCAA for rules violations that included events surrounding Means’ recruitment.

Lang also admitted arranging, at the suggestion of an assistant Alabama coach, for someone else to take Means’ college entrance exam.

Means played for Alabama for one season, then transferred to Memphis last year. He is academically ineligible to play this season.

Authorities said Means was unaware payoffs were made to influence his choice of a college.

With his plea, Lang agreed to the government’s contention that he took money from Logan Young, a wealthy Memphis businessman and Alabama booster.

He agreed that he was referred to Young by Ivy Williams, a former Alabama assistant, and also discussed the deal with Ronnie Cottrell, a former Alabama recruiting coordinator.

Milton Kirk, Lang’s former assistant at Trezevant, also has pleaded guilty to conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.

Lang agreed to assist authorities in further investigating Means’ recruitment. U.S. District Court Judge Bernice Donald set sentencing for May 2.

Lang faces up to five years in prison and fines of $250,000, though as a first-time offender will likely draw a less severe punishment under federal sentencing guidelines.

Lang, who refused comment as he left the courtroom, will remain free pending sentencing.