HBO report: Auburn players got paid; OSU recruiting target plied with sex

[Spidey]

As if things could get worse for OSU and Auburn. LSU and Michigan State also mentioned.

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HBO report: Auburn players got paid; OSU recruiting target plied with sex

Posted by John Taylor on March 29, 2011, 7:29 PM EDT

Given the self-made pickle Jim Tressel finds himself in, and the basketball team’s loss in the NCAA tournament as a No. 1 seed, it’s not been the best of months for two of the Ohio State University’s flagship athletic programs. And, apparently, the negativity surrounding the school is set to continue.

Wednesday night, the HBO show Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, a release from the cable network states, departs from its traditional format to present a special hour-long edition dedicated to the state of college sports in America. Basically, the show will delve into the sticky issue of whether college athletes — football players in particular — should be paid, as well as delving “into the controversial and complex subject of premium college-bound athletes receiving benefits that are prohibited by the NCAA.”

Oh, and sex.

The New York Daily News reports that former college football player Stanley McClover will also appear on the show, and reveals that he received not just cash but (gasp!) sexual services during a recruiting visit to Ohio State. McClover ultimately signed with Auburn, so we don’t know if that says more about quality of the school on The Plains or about the quality of the services (allegedly) rendered at the Columbus school.

On a related note, we’re uncertain whether Gary Barnett will make an appearance on the program to deal with the sexual aspect of recruiting.

And, while we’re on the subject of the HBO show, here are a couple of “teasers” that will give you an idea of what tomorrow’ night’s program will entail.


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UPDATED 8:14 p.m. ET: Our buddy at SportsByBrooks.com has obtained an advanced copy of the hour-long program and, suffice to say, it does not paint Auburn University in a very positive light. Four ex-Tigers claim during the course of the program that there was a “systematic pay-to-play” scheme in place during and after the recruiting process in which they were given thousands upon thousands of dollars by people — including alumni and boosters — purporting to be associated with the school.

Apparently, the key phrase that will be woven throughout the piece will be “money handshake”.

Based on Brooks’ transcription, which can be viewed in its entirety right HERE, there are some very explosive and damning charges that will be leveled against Auburn. McClover, for example, claimed that he was given $4,000 after a four-sack game against archrival Alabama. As noted by the Birmingham News, the accusations made by McClover, as well as Troy Reddick, fall outside of the NCAA’ s standard statute of limitations of five years. The claims made by Chaz Ramsey and Raven Gray, however, allegedly occurred inside of that five-year window.

What will be most interesting to see, however, is what type of public response, if any, the school gives to the accusations. And if the NCAA issues any sort of statement as well.

UPDATED 9:19 p.m. ET: We would be remiss if we didn’t note the fact that LSU and Michigan State were also accused by at least one member of the Auburn quartet of giving money during the recruiting process.

UPDATED 10:46 p.m. ET: Auburn responded — sort of — to the allegations made by the four players during the program.

“Auburn Athletics respectfully declines to comment on these alleged claims apparently made by a few former football players. Compliance with all NCAA and Southeastern Conference rules is a major emphasis and top priority for all of our athletic programs at Auburn University.”

 

[Senser81]

In one sense, its definitely an "Old news is so exciting!" situation for most people. But in another sense, the NCAA is so timid in punishing major programs that its great to have this in the news regarding Ohio State. University president Gordon Gee's comments will once again come back to bite him, and once again Gordon Gee is overseeing a renegade athletic department.

 

[Herm]

In one sense, its definitely an "Old news is so exciting!" situation for most people. But in another sense, the NCAA is so timid in punishing major programs that its great to have this in the news regarding Ohio State. University president Gordon Gee's comments will once again come back to bite him, and once again Gordon Gee is overseeing a renegade athletic department.

I was waiting for him to try that horsecrap at OSU that he pulled at Vandy. He eliminated the "athletic department" and said all students athletes are just students. I see he didnt try such a thing at OSU.


Gordon Gee can take his bowtie and shove it. Im with you on the old news is exciting, but with all the mounting evidence at Ohio State and Auburn will the NCAA actually grow some balls and punish one of the big boys?

 

[Warner2BruceTD]

HBO is also reporting that Silvio Dante miraculously survived and came out of his coma, and is now the boss of New Jersey family, since Tony did, in fact, meet his end in the Diner.

 

[Senser81]

Bruce Willis was dead the entire movie??

 

[EmpireWF]

HBO is also reporting that Silvio Dante miraculously survived and came out of his coma, and is now the boss of New Jersey family, since Tony did, in fact, meet his end in the Diner.

:smh:

Tony was not harmed in the diner but he was put on trial and was convicted.

 

[NAHSTE]

LOL at Auburn trying to drag LSU down with them. We already issued self-imposed sanctions for a since-fired coach paying a since-dismissed recruit, bit different situation than the rampant corruption going on down on the plains.

 

[Realist]

so did this air last night? cause if so, I didn't get to see it

Also, NAHSTE is it Auburn trying to drag LSU or those kids just mentioning LSU? I was under the impression that it was them who brought the other schools into it.

 

[Herm]

anyone have a torrent?