Hickman said the investigation into H-F's basketball team was continuing and that the inquiry could involve other sports as well as the recruiting allegations. He acknowledged that proving recruiting charges can be difficult, but he pointed to a text message Smith sent to players about an "open gym" where they could come and play. Hickman said some of the students who received the text were not H-F students, suggesting Smith was violating rules about contact with students.

Hickman called the text "a red flag."