Riley was the coach of the John W. Provine High School Rams for eleven seasons and compiled a winning percentage of (.803) with an overall record of 286–70.
While some speculated that the leave of absence was due to a physical altercation with a player, Riley said those allegations were "completely false" and that he expected to return before the end of season.
[2][3][4] On April 14, 2017, Riley was arrested in Madison County, Mississippi and charged with a felony to defraud and cheat a former high school basketball player that he recruited while coaching at Alcorn State.
According to court records, on or around June 13 of 2013, Riley admitted and pled guilty to willfully and intentionally cheating a recruit by making false pretenses about the tuition, room, and board costs at Alcorn State.
After being named coach of the year, Riley did not sign the contract offered by the Columbus School District because he claimed the superintendent promised him a raise for winning a state championship.