GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida and the NCAA are investigating an allegation that former Gators offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey received $100,000 from a representative of a sports agent before last season ended, ESPN.com reported Monday.
The allegation stated Pouncey received the money between Florida’s loss to Alabama in the SEC title game and its Sugar Bowl victory over Cincinnati, according to the report. The alleged representative was not named.
“We were made aware of some information in early June that we reported to law enforcement and we then shared with the NCAA and the SEC,” Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley said in a statement. “At this time, we have no information that has indicated that there are any compliance issues for the University of Florida.”
Pouncey was selected 18th overall in this year’s NFL Draft. His brother, Mike, will be a senior offensive lineman with the Gators next season.
Pouncey’s agent is Joel Segal, but the allegation is not necessarily tied to him. A message left at Segal’s office Monday seeking comment was not immediately returned.
If the allegation is true,Pouncey could be ruled ineligible for the Sugar Bowl game and Florida might have to vacate the victory among other potential penalties.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Under investigation, too
COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina Athletic Director Eric Hyman says the NCAA is investigating a possible rules violation by one of its athletic programs.
Hyman released a statement Sunday night saying the school has cooperated and will continue working with the NCAA on its inquiry, although did not detail what program was being investigated.
Tight end Weslye Saunders, South Carolina’s third-leading receiver last season, has been identified by various media reports as the target of the investigation. Saunders would not discuss his conversations with the NCAA when reached by phone Monday.
Coach Steve Spurrier told The State newspaper in Columbia that he has no knowledge of Saunders breaking any rules.
“All I know is they had talked to him, and talked to some players at North Carolina. That’s all I know,” Spurrier told the paper. “Whatever comes [of it], we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Sports, Pages 17 on 07/20/2010