CHAPEL HILL – If former Tar Heels wide receiver Greg Little could tell younger players anything, he said today, it would be this: “It’s gonna be there. Whatever you’re putting yourself into …it’s going to be there. You’re going to have time to do anything you want to do when the season is over, anything you want to do when the time is right. Just wait.”
Little and defensive end Robert Quinn – who were ruled permanently ineligible in October for violations of NCAA agent benefits, preferential treatment and ethical conduct rules – as well as defensive tackle Marvin Austin, who was dismissed from the program at the same time – returned to the UNC practice field for the team’s annual pro timing day.
Little, whose roughly $4,952 of extra benefits included a pair of diamond earrings and trips to the Bahamas, Washington, D.C., and Miami, said he still felt guilty about how his actions affected his team.
Ultimately, 14 players missed at least one game in 2010 and seven Tar Heels missed the entire season as a result of the NCAA's investigation into impermissible benefits and academic misconduct in the school's football program.
“Who would not feel guilty about destroying a national championship, so to speak,’’ Little said. “Destroying an ACC title. Destroying a legacy that was going to be built here forever.”
Little did not go into detail about his specific actions, but admitted he should have known better.
“I just put myself in the wrong position, surrounded myself to where those things can happen, and those were some of the things I was naïve about,’’ he said. “ And thinking back on it, it just was not the right thing to do. You know when something’s wrong – you’ve got the feeling, ‘I shouldn’t be doing this, I shouldn’t be a part of this.”
He said he’s told UNC coach Butch Davis that he would be willing to come back and talk to future teams about consequences, “and just putting yourself in that situation that you really don’t want to be in … I’ll talk to the NCAA, I’ll talk to anybody, about taking the correct steps, and taking your time. It’s just something you don’t want to be a part of. … Just do the right thing. It’s not hard to say no.”
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at
Comments
Just look at the accusations...
Mon, 04/04/2011 - 10:37 — UNC1998go the money moving at other schools.. At least at UNC it was potential agents and runners... not boosters and fans at the actual game. Beware of coaches saying "you've got some mail in my office", etc... To me that shows institutional (or at least coaching staff) involvement in the money. While Blake was a dark blot on the football program I don't think he ever was giving players envelopes full of money.
In any event... this sad chapter at UNC is over. Now all that's left is for the NCAA to come play judge, jury, and exectuioner on this matter.
Chapter
Mon, 04/04/2011 - 12:17 — SurferAgree, glad this chapter is over. But from what I understand the school has still yet to receive a LOI from the NCAA. So let's just hope that in the end, the whole thing turns out to be a short story and not a novel.
What's done is done
Thu, 03/31/2011 - 19:47 — gvillegatrBut this a great step forward for Little.
Agree
Fri, 04/01/2011 - 10:46 — SurferI like the level of maturaty being shown. Despite the mistakes made, these guys can still be positive role models for the program in the future. Esp. if we see a team loaded with talent like this again. Coach Davis should have these guys front and center witht the message of "just say no".
I was really angry at Little
Thu, 03/31/2011 - 23:14 — unc098I was really angry at Little and the others, but I really applaud his actions in regards to helping educate the younger players. This action shows that he is willing to admit to his errors and do the best he can to learn something from it and to share his experience in a way that will help future players.
I agree...
Thu, 03/31/2011 - 20:14 — UNC1998and in light of recent developments, accusations, and denials I think what went on at UNC is unfortunately veering closer to the norm, rather than the exception.