NCAA To Formally Investigate Gamecock Program

NCAA initiating formal investigation into USC football program

By Travis Haney , Post-Courier

Thursday, September 9, 2010

COLUMBIA — South Carolina officials confirmed Thursday afternoon that it has received an official letter of inquiry from the NCAA, indicating the governing body is initiating a formal investigation into the football program.

The NCAA had already been looking into the matters of several players, including three – cornerback Chris Culliver, left tackle Jarriel King and tight end Weslye Saunders – who remained sidelined, pending rulings on their issues.

The NCAA first spoke with Saunders about possible improper contact with agents, including a spring break trip to Miami.

From there, the investigation then branched into the NCAA examining several players’ living arrangements at The Whitney Hotel.

Of the players that were living at the hotel, all but King and Saunders were cleared last week.

Culliver is being investigated for an insurance policy he took out to protect his draft status against injury.

It’s unclear what, precisely, the NCAA has seen to formalize an investigation. There’s no specific timetable, either, as to when the probe might be completed.

South Carolina merely acknowledged the letter Thursday. The NCAA asks schools remain quiet while investigations are in progress.

“I assure our fans and community that we will do what is right for the university,” USC president Harris Pastides said in a statement. “Winning and playing by the rules go hand in hand. And playing by the rules is the only way to win. We will continue to cooperate with the NCAA investigation as we have in the past regarding possible rules violations.

“While we are working in full cooperation with the NCAA, our expectations have always been that our student-athletes and staff maintain highest NCAA standards.”