David Sidoo

Full Report

Key Points

• David Sidoo, a Vancouver-based businessman and former CFL player, was implicated in the “Operation Varsity Blues” college admissions scandal in the United States.

• He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, admitting to paying $200,000 to have a stand-in take SAT exams for his two sons in 2011 and 2012.

• Sidoo was sentenced to 90 days in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine in July 2020.

• His actions were part of a broader scheme involving wealthy parents and college officials, orchestrated by William “Rick” Singer.

• Sidoo has a history of philanthropy and business success, but his reputation has been significantly damaged by the scandal.

Overview

David Sidoo is a Canadian businessman, former professional football player, and philanthropist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Born in New Westminster, B.C., Sidoo played as a defensive back for the UBC Thunderbirds, earning a degree in biology, and later played professionally in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and B.C. Lions from 1983 to 1988. After retiring from football, he built a successful career in finance and resource industries, co-founding and serving as president of Advantage Lithium and holding executive roles at East West Petroleum Corporation and American Oil & Gas. Sidoo was also a prominent figure in Vancouver’s business and philanthropy circles, notably as a donor to UBC’s athletics program and the namesake of Sidoo Field at Thunderbird Stadium. His achievements include being named to the UBC Sports Hall of Fame and receiving awards like the Bobby Gaul Memorial Award and the Order of B.C.

Allegations and Concerns

• College Admissions Scandal (Operation Varsity Blues): Sidoo was charged in 2019 for his role in a widespread college admissions bribery scheme. He admitted to paying $200,000 to have a test-taker, Mark Riddell, fraudulently complete SAT exams for his two sons, Jordan and Dylan, in 2011 and 2012. The scheme aimed to secure their admission to prestigious U.S. universities, including the University of California, Berkeley, where his younger son attended.

• Fraudulent Scheme Details: Sidoo worked with William “Rick” Singer, the mastermind of the scandal, who facilitated the cheating by arranging for a stand-in to take the tests. The payments were disguised as donations to Singer’s Key Worldwide Foundation, a supposed charity.

• Association with Organized Crime: A 2019 article on thebreaker.news alleged that one of Sidoo’s sons was linked to a gang-related essay, raising questions about potential connections to criminal activities. However, no direct evidence or charges related to gang involvement were substantiated against Sidoo himself.

• Reputational Damage: Sidoo’s high-profile status in Vancouver’s business and academic communities amplified the scandal’s impact, leading to his resignation from several corporate boards, including East West Petroleum, and the removal of his name from UBC’s Sidoo Field.

Customer Feedback

As Sidoo is an individual, not a company, traditional customer reviews are not applicable. However, public sentiment and media coverage provide insight into his reputation:

• Positive Feedback: Prior to the scandal, Sidoo was widely praised for his philanthropy and business acumen. For example, UBC highlighted his contributions to athletics, stating, “David Sidoo’s generosity has transformed our facilities and inspired our student-athletes” (UBC Athletics, pre-2019). He was also lauded for mentoring young entrepreneurs in Vancouver’s business community.

• Negative Feedback: Post-scandal, public reaction was overwhelmingly critical. A 2019 X post by @Franktmcveety remarked, “Friends in High Places: David Sidoo is accused of paying $200,000 to cheat for his sons, one of whom got into Berkeley. Pictured with,” reflecting public skepticism and mockery. Media outlets like CBC News described him as a “disgraced businessman,” emphasizing the betrayal felt by Vancouver’s community. A Vancouver Sun op-ed noted, “Sidoo’s fall from grace is a cautionary tale about privilege and ethics.”

Risk Considerations

• Reputational Risk: Sidoo’s involvement in the scandal has severely damaged his public image, making it difficult for him to regain trust in business or philanthropic circles. His association with UBC and other institutions has been tarnished, with his name removed from public honors.

• Legal Risk: Although Sidoo served his sentence and paid his fine, further legal scrutiny could arise if new evidence or related investigations emerge. His plea deal mitigated harsher penalties, but any future violations could lead to additional consequences.

• Financial Risk: The $250,000 fine and legal fees likely strained Sidoo’s finances, though his wealth from prior business ventures may have cushioned the impact. His resignation from corporate boards and potential loss of business opportunities represent ongoing financial risks.

• Social Risk: Sidoo’s family, particularly his sons, face social stigma due to their association with the scandal, which may affect their personal and professional prospects.

Business Relations and Associations

• Corporate Roles: Sidoo held executive positions at East West Petroleum Corporation (former CEO) and Advantage Lithium (co-founder and president). He resigned from these roles following the scandal.

• Philanthropic Ties: Sidoo was a major donor to UBC, funding upgrades to Thunderbird Stadium and supporting athletic programs. His name was removed from Sidoo Field in 2019 due to the scandal.

• Key Associates: Sidoo’s primary association in the scandal was with William “Rick” Singer, who orchestrated the bribery scheme. No evidence suggests ongoing business ties with Singer post-scandal. Sidoo also had connections with Vancouver’s business elite, including board members at East West Petroleum and Advantage Lithium, though many distanced themselves after 2019.

• Community Involvement: Sidoo was a prominent figure in Vancouver’s South Asian community, supporting initiatives like the India Club and youth sports programs, but these ties have weakened due to reputational damage.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Legal Actions: Sidoo pleaded guilty in March 2020 to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in a Boston federal court. He was sentenced on July 15, 2020, to 90 days in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The FBI Boston office noted, “David Sidoo was sentenced today for agreeing to pay $200,000 in bribes to have a stand-in take the SAT test for his two sons” (@FBIBoston, July 16, 2020).

• Financial Penalties: The $250,000 fine was paid as part of his plea agreement. No additional lawsuits or bankruptcy filings were reported, but legal costs likely added to his financial burden.

• No Bankruptcy Records: Public records do not indicate any bankruptcy filings by Sidoo, suggesting his wealth from prior ventures (e.g., oil and gas, lithium mining) remained intact despite the fine.

Risk Assessment Table