Rep at center of Okla. hoops probe leaves Merrill for Raymond James

The financial adviser who reportedly gave money to a University of Oklahoma basketball star has left Bank of America Merrill Lynch and become affiliated with Raymond James Financial Services Inc.

Jeffrey Hausinger, who was based in a Merrill office in Tampa, Fla., reportedly gave Oklahoma basketball player Keith “Tiny” Gallon $3,000 last year, according to TMZ.com. Such a payment would violate NCAA recruiting rules.

University officials confirmed last week that they are officially conducting an internal investigation that will explore Mr. Hausinger’s interactions with Mr. Gallon and other members of the Oklahoma basketball team.

Merrill spokesman Bill Halldin confirmed that Mr. Hausinger has left the firm. He declined to comment on what role, if any, the probe played in Mr. Hausinger’s departure.

Anthea Penrose, a spokeswoman for Raymond James, confirmed that Mr. Hausinger has joined the company.

Mr. Hausinger’s Finra BrokerCheck record shows that he became affiliated with Raymond James on March 29.

When reached by InvestmentNews last week, Mr. Hausinger said that he did not have time to discuss his new affiliation or any of the events leading up to his move.

Oklahoma remains on NCAA probation because of major rules violations committed by its football and men’s basketball programs.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.