pete74
07-20-2010, 04:37 AM
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Steelers first-round draft pick Maurkice Pouncey is the center of an investigation by the University of Florida and the NCAA after an allegation that he received $100,000 from a representative of a sport agent before last season ended.
ESPN.com reported Monday that Pouncey, an offensive lineman from Florida, received the money between the Gators' loss to Alabama in the Southeastern Conference title game and its Sugar Bowl win over Cincinnati. The alleged representative was not named.
Calls from the Tribune-Review to Pouncey and his agent, Joel Segal, were not returned yesterday. Although Segal is Pouncey's agent, the allegation is not necessarily tied to him, ESPN reported.
Pouncey was scheduled to attend speed and conditioning guru Tom Shaw's camp in Orlando yesterday, but he did not show for his workout, Shaw said.
Florida also is investigating the matter.
"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.
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.
The investigation also is the latest involving sports agent-related inquiries in college football.
North Carolina announced last week that the NCAA is investigating its football program. South Carolina athletic director Eric Hyman said the NCAA is investigating a possible rules violation of one of its athletic programs.
ESPN.com reported Monday that Pouncey, an offensive lineman from Florida, received the money between the Gators' loss to Alabama in the Southeastern Conference title game and its Sugar Bowl win over Cincinnati. The alleged representative was not named.
Calls from the Tribune-Review to Pouncey and his agent, Joel Segal, were not returned yesterday. Although Segal is Pouncey's agent, the allegation is not necessarily tied to him, ESPN reported.
Pouncey was scheduled to attend speed and conditioning guru Tom Shaw's camp in Orlando yesterday, but he did not show for his workout, Shaw said.
Florida also is investigating the matter.
"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.
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.
The investigation also is the latest involving sports agent-related inquiries in college football.
North Carolina announced last week that the NCAA is investigating its football program. South Carolina athletic director Eric Hyman said the NCAA is investigating a possible rules violation of one of its athletic programs.