North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall today launched an investigation into possible improprieties by sports agents in the state.
Spokesman George Jeter said the department hasn't received a complaint but is responding to media reports of possible NCAA violations that may have been caused by improper contact between agents and college athletes.
"That's it, precisely," Jeter said. "The number of media reports coming out and talking about possibly things that might have happened and possibly actions by agents, or people who should be agents if they're not, [sparked the investigation]."
It has been widely reported that NCAA investigators interviewed football players at the University of North Carolina last week. Greg Little Sr., the father of Tar Heels receiver Greg Little, said his son was interviewed. The Charlotte Observer and News & Observer have confirmed that defensive tackle Marvin Austin also was interviewed. Investigators also have met with University of South Carolina tight end Weslye Saunders, who is from Durham, and Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.
The North Carolina Uniform Athlete Agent Act requires agents to register with the Secretary of State's office and inform a school's athletic director within 72 hours of agreeing to a contract with an athlete. Agents are prevented from furnishing anything of value to athletes before they enter a contract, and they are prohibited from making false representations.
Violating the law is a Class I felony. Jeter said messages have been sent to several parties saying they will be contacted by department staff members and advising them not to destroy their records. He said the investigation will focus on the agents themselves rather than athletes or staff members at any of the schools.
Marshall, a Democrat who is running for U.S. Senate against Republican incumbent Richard Burr, was unavailable for comment this evening.
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Thu, 07/22/2010 - 09:56 — heelsno1NCAA compliance is one thing... having your own higher sense of purpose and core values are more compelling. As far as I am concerned, Austin should take his massive frame, his Tweeter, his non-stop and self-absorbed banter out of Chapel Hill and back to DC.
As for Greg Little...who in the college world hurls the football into the stands after scoring a touchdown in a bowl game? Act like you have scored before. The concept of good sportsmanship needs renewal. Players should be held to account for their actions on and off the field. That includes incessant tweeting that detracts from the focus and interests of the team.
the real issue at hand
Thu, 07/22/2010 - 07:07 — gvillegatrUNC is becoming big time in college football.
the proof?
this scandal!
unfortunately it is the price you pay.
get used to it state fans!
PS. --> the odds we get a retort other than, "28-27 or 41-10." answer: 0
So the new attitude is that
Thu, 07/22/2010 - 09:06 — UNCJournalismSo the new attitude is that UNC must cheat, and recruit cheaters, to be big time? It is simply the price you pay?
unc guy or not
Thu, 07/22/2010 - 20:02 — gvillegatrlearn to swim over here or go back to the kiddy pool.
That's not what he said
Thu, 07/22/2010 - 10:39 — Heels20Gatr is saying that when you begin to receive national attention as a football program, one of the prices you pay is constant speculation as to whether or not you're reaching that level while still following NCAA rules. It's less likely that this investigation would even be conducted if Marvin went to a school like Florida International.
And anyone who uses the word "cheat" over all of this is doing so in a weak manner. What kind of advantage does UNC gain from this? In what way does any of this increase our chances of winning?
Agreed with one caveat
Thu, 07/22/2010 - 11:49 — JPDOhioBecause Marvin seems to be incapable of keeping anything about himself private, an investigation would be likely no matter where he matriculated.
About Time
Thu, 07/22/2010 - 00:49 — JohnlawretDo you mean Elaine Marshall will finally do something to earn her salary? I doubt it some underling may do a so called investigation ( read the newspapers) to create a photo op for strictly political purposes. This is so obvious it is disgusting. Elaine, go ahead and just pay for your political ads yourself.
Chilling? No, room temp.
Wed, 07/21/2010 - 21:45 — demonspankHey Agent,
Not sure it's completely chilling. It's called investigative journalism (see Gate, Water) and it happens quite a bit. Any proof this dynamic is being abused? Didn't think so.
Keep at it; one day, you'll be closer to right. One day.
right ....
Thu, 07/22/2010 - 00:04 — AgentPiercebeing close to "right" has never been a problem for me. Being too "far right" maybe.
Elaine Marshall investigates
Wed, 07/21/2010 - 20:02 — SweetsieDoes anyone here smell a photo and PR op for candidate Marshall? Not very subtle is it, using one's office to get a little campaign exposure at the taxpayers expense.
Quick answer
Wed, 07/21/2010 - 20:05 — JPDOhioYes
Oh, c'mon Bob Lee. Why is
Wed, 07/21/2010 - 20:01 — JamesinWillowSpringsOh, c'mon Bob Lee. Why is anything ever investigated? Because facts come to light that bear investigating.
In an instance like this, if nothing had ever been publicly written or covered in the news, how would the state's investigation have begun in the first place? Because Butch Davis picked up his phone and dialed Elaine Marshall out of the kindness of his heart to see what she could do about all these damn agents hovering around in Chapel Hill? Hell no!
The LAST thing Butch--or any coach--wants is to invite an investigation if they aren't FORCED to. Stay low; keep quiet. So what if Butch's ultimate goal is to clean up agent activity...the PR hit to the program would still come once the papers get wind of the state's investigation. And when the NCAA gets wind of it, boom, there they are on campus, just like they are now. So all the things happening in Chapel Hill now would still occur, just in reverse order, with the added kicker of folks wondering why on Earth Butch would willingly INVITE two investigating bodies to tear apart his campus and football offices.
I get what you're saying (I think), but if your concern is that the "state," in the broader sense, were suddenly scanning the message boards for ideas on their next target, I don't see that being worthy of great concern as it is to you. There are enough reports surrounding not only the Tar Heel program but also the South Carolina and Alabama programs from reporters both locally and nationally to believe this is a legitimate concern worthy of investigation, not just a few fired up bloggers.
not protecting Butch ....
Thu, 07/22/2010 - 00:08 — AgentPierceI could not care less about protecting Butch or Twittering Marvin. And the NCAA snooping on Franklin Street IS reason for Elaine to smell some good publicity. But "media reports" are as reliable as wooly worms in predicting bad winters.
Sorry, James
Wed, 07/21/2010 - 20:06 — JPDOhioThis is a publicity stunt, plain and simple.
Why not let the NCAA complete its investigation and then take action?
Gotta "do something"
Wed, 07/21/2010 - 20:00 — JPDOhioEvery crisis must have at least 6 independent commissions or panels investigating all at the same time. And, yes, in political circles these days, this blip on the summer sports radar constitutes a crisis. I don't suppose this has anything to do with the Senate aspirations of the Secretary of State.
In other overly dramatic news, Nick Saban referred to offending agents as the equivalent of pimps. Public apologies to true victims of sexual abuse will come shortly. Whatever happened to "silence is golden" and a healthy sense of proportionality?
a chilling revelation !!!
Wed, 07/21/2010 - 19:22 — AgentPierce"responding to media reports, the Secty of State is launching an investigation ....."*****
Am I the only one that finds that statement rather chilling? So ..... if the N&O, for example, writes five editorials, "news reports" (cough cough) that a certain "millionaire activist" is an illegal alien, the Sec of State or ICE might go get that millionaire activist "based on media reports".
I wonder if the Secty of State would investigate in "response to something posted on an anonymous comment board" ???? We could have some real fun with that, don't you think.