Decatur, Ala. | Tuesday, May 21, 2013
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Auburn's Chizik: No comment on reports of NCAA probe
Associated Press
Before reports surfaced of an NCAA probe into Auburn's football program, head coach Gene Chizik was under scrutiny for a 3-8 record this season, including an 0-7 mark in SEC play.

AUBURN (AP) — Auburn coach Gene Chizik declined to comment on reports that the NCAA is investigating alleged improprieties involving the football program.

"I'm not going to comment on speculation," Chizik said today. "It won't be a distraction to me. I'm just focused on the Iron Bowl."

The Birmingham News reported today that NCAA investigators have interviewed at least one assistant coach and several players this week as the Tigers prepare for their season finale Saturday against No. 2 Alabama.

The newspaper, citing an unidentified source, reported the investigation included but is not limited to the signing of running back Jovon Robinson, who was ruled ineligible amid allegations of academic improprieties. The report said Auburn has not received an official letter of inquiry from the NCAA.

Yahoo! Sports also reported today that the NCAA has been investigating potential wrongdoing involving Auburn recruits, players, coaches and others. That report says assistants Trooper Taylor and Curtis Luper haven't been allowed to recruit for several weeks.

The Yahoo report said the NCAA has investigated whether physical education teacher Rhonda Wilkinson at Memphis' Wooddale High provided impermissible benefits to Robinson during his recruitment, including transportation to Auburn at least once. Wilkinson, an Auburn graduate, declined comment for that story.

NCAA spokeswoman Stacey Osburn said Wednesday that the governing body does not comment on current, pending or potential investigations. Auburn spokesman Kirk Sampson said the school had no comment on the reports.

Chizik has already been under fire during Auburn's 3-8 season.

University President Jay Gogue has said he'll evaluate the program after the season, which ends on Saturday.

In October, Chizik refused to discuss whether any coaches had been pulled off the recruiting trail.

"I don't have time for all of that," he said at the time.

He also has repeatedly declined to address questions about whether he might be fired after the season. Chizik led the Tigers to the 2010 national championship, and the NCAA later said it had found no wrongdoing in an investigation into the recruitment of Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Cam Newton.

Chizik parlayed that championship — Auburn's first since 1957 — into a contract worth about $3.6 million annually. He would be owed a $7.5 million buyout if he is fired on or after Dec. 1. He would be paid in monthly installments of about $208,000.

His new contract in June 2011 stipulated that he agrees to comply with Southeastern Conference and NCAA rules and disciplinary procedures. His previous deal would have allowed Auburn to suspend Chizik's salary if the program came under investigating by the university, the SEC or the NCAA for "alleged major rules violations or significant or repetitive violations."

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10 comments on this item

Just what Auburb needs, at this time !

I think this needs to be put on the shelf until there is more information to come out. For all we know it is a minor violation, but people will try to make it into something it is not. Just look how many of these type of minor violations Alabama and other big schools have had in recent years, but self-reported. This could be the same thing for Auburn, which is why they pulled the two coaches. Alabama and Auburn are always getting accused of major violations because they both unfortunately have supporters that want to see the other brought down. Honestly, I don't believe Danny Sheridan when he states he wishes the best outcome for Auburn, as the guy has made it a habit to go after Auburn. Just look where his speech about this took place if you want to question if there was any bias.

Alabama has a great chance to get back to the national championship, so why would anybody be interested in a story about 3-8 Auburn that is pure speculation. Auburn has almost no chance of winning on Saturday, and given the horrible season they are having, it is not like you are going to make things much worse for them right now. So, why run an article with presents nothing substantial? It would be different if there were more facts and specifics. Regardless of which side you support, you can't deny that the timing of this article is very dubious.

The key difference is that Alabama self-reported the violations. Everyone at Auburn involved has kept quiet and the alleged violations were not reported by Auburn. That's why this time it's a big deal. Just look at Ohio State. The violations were minor, but because the head coach kept them hushed up and tried to cover it up, they aren't in a bowl game this year even at 11-0.

Maybe the school, AU, is working closer with the NCAA more than one might think. Maybe this is perfect timing to prevent the school from paying $7.5M to Chizik on the eve of what will no doubt be his final game as HC for the orange and blue. Dr. Gogue could be a damage control mastermind.

LIMESTONE.........you hit it on the head and I said it two months ago. This is essentially a get out of that overblown contract free card for awbarn. They been holding this in their back pocket for months. I heard about this months ago. It is not breaking news. I assure you! ROLL TIDE!!!

Calhoun Library, The DD is not the only news outlet with this story. It will come to be much bigger than what this article covers. This was not uncovered by an in state news source. This is national news and the people covering it could care less about the Alabama/Auburn game outcome.

this story has been out since Aug. Anyone who thinks its not serious is fooling themselves. ESPN .com has the full story , its simply about Jovon Robinson getting his failing grades changed in high school, his transcript to auburn and notre dame have totally differant grades ! Whoops what a dummy. This will derail any chance of auburn rebuilding any time soon.recruits are leaving auburn like a sinking ship.

limestone & Guy are on it I think that is the case myself

Regrettably, this opportunity for the Auburn haters (A.K.A. Updyke squad) to get some cheap shots in overshadows something more sinister and less obvious. We have seen this at schools before, including AU & UA. Some of the teams struggles this year seem to attach themselves to attitude & chemistry problems; indicating people inside the school know something bad is happening. However, just because some zealot changed grades, doesn't mean the University had anything to do with it. You have to wonder if this person in Memphis had any previous ties to Luper or Trooper Taylor. If this turns out to be the case. AU needs to cut them loose ASAP.

Give cheez a raise and always keep him employed at the barn,after all, he's all in !

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