Ex-Gators OL Pouncey denies taking money
July 21, 2010
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP)—Former Florida Gators standout Maurkice Pouncey deniedallegations Wednesday that he took money from a representative of a sports agentwhile he was still at the university.
“I did not accept $100,000, it is an absolutely ridiculous claim. I havecompletely cooperated with the investigation and answered any and all questionsput to me,” Pouncey said in a statement released through his Gainesvilleattorney, M. Stephen Stanfield.
Florida and the NCAA are investigating an allegation that Pouncey was paid$100,000 between the Southeastern Conference title game and the Sugar Bowl lastseason, ESPN.com reported earlier this week.
The offensive lineman was selected 18th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelersin this year’s NFL draft. His twin brother, Mike, will be a senior at Floridathis season.
Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley has said the university became awareof the allegation in early June. He said the school reported the information tothe NCAA, the SEC and the university’s police department.
Gators coach Urban Meyer and Pouncey’s brother were scheduled to speak laterWednesday at SEC media day.
Pouncey’s agent is Joel Segal, but the allegation is not necessarily tied tohim. If the allegation is proven true, however, Pouncey could be ruledineligible for the Sugar Bowl game and Florida might have to vacate that victoryover Cincinnati among other potential penalties.
The investigation is one in series lately involving sports agent-relatedinquiries in college football.
North Carolina announced last week that the NCAA is investigating itsfootball program. The NCAA is looking into a possible rules violation involvingSouth Carolina tight end Weslye Saunders.
And Alabama coach Nick Saban told ESPN.com that university complianceofficials are trying to determine if defensive end Marcell Dareus violated NCAArules by attending an agent’s party in Florida.
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