Ole Miss Mess

[BigBabyHog71]

Does anyone besides me think that the player that received the benefits should be suspended from playing for a year or so as well regardless of what school they went too.  Also the family should be made to pay the money back.  I think this would help deter some of the players and families from partaking in this type of mess with boosters. 

[Vantage 8 dude]

Does anyone besides me think that the player that received the benefits should be suspended from playing for a year or so as well regardless of what school they went too.  Also the family should be made to pay the money back.  I think this would help deter some of the players and families from partaking in this type of mess with boosters.

Your raise some good points. Certainly worth considering and perhaps adopting.

[Torqued pork]

Does anyone besides me think that the player that received the benefits should be suspended from playing for a year or so as well regardless of what school they went too.  Also the family should be made to pay the money back.  I think this would help deter some of the players and families from partaking in this type of mess with boosters. 

Who would make the family pay the money back? The NCAA? Our judicial system?

[Großer Kriegschwein]

#Savage

[Dumb ole famrboy]

My understanding is the player was granted immunity for his testimony.

[lahawg1]

My understanding is the player was granted immunity for his testimony.

I understand he was granted immunity from the NCAA but what about the IRS? That could get interesting and yes, I do realize the IRS has far more important things to investigate but if his testimony is on record it's low hanging fruit.

[bob slydell]

If the immunity falls through, he always has the Cecil Newton loophole to fall back on.

[rmcchris]

Does anyone besides me think that the player that received the benefits should be suspended from playing for a year or so as well regardless of what school they went too.  Also the family should be made to pay the money back.  I think this would help deter some of the players and families from partaking in this type of mess with boosters. 

He got immunity for his cooperation and testimony.  Read it in an article last night.

[PorkRinds]

They're never going to be able to prove an exact dollar amount. So "pay it back" may sound good but it's really not possible. I do agree that players should be punished as well and that if they were a lot of the issues would improve.

[sickboy]

I don't in this situation. Because the kid turned state's evidence. If you don't grant whistleblowers immunity, there will be no whistleblowers. I know this is a contentious issue... but the only way you're going to catch these programs is kids like this coming forward and with no fear of repercussions, they will.

If you punish the kid now, you're neutering yourself as a governing body.

[Sed76]

Sounds like they might want to investigate Mississippi State. This kid and family took money from Ole Miss but then signed with a rival school. Sure would appear the Rebel Black Bears got outbid.

[code red]

Does anyone besides me think that the player that received the benefits should be suspended from playing for a year or so as well regardless of what school they went too.  Also the family should be made to pay the money back.  I think this would help deter some of the players and families from partaking in this type of mess with boosters.

Again allegations by the NCAA.  Let due process proceed.  In addition.  Why are we talking about this?  I could care.  Its Ole Miss 

[hogman64]

I understand he was granted immunity from the NCAA but what about the IRS? That could get interesting and yes, I do realize the IRS has far more important things to investigate but if his testimony is on record it's low hanging fruit.

GIFTS   are not taxable....

[ricepig]

GIFTS   are not taxable....

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/gift-tax

[a0ashle]

it is likely an unpopular opinion, but you won't solve the problem by going after the lowest man on the totem pole, you have to go after the individuals with the power. Same reason any immigration reform that doesn't go hard after companies for hiring illegal immigrants is a joke.

[Calling All Hogs]

It's not like these kids commit the crime of the century. They take money in exchange for favoring a University. Some don't even wind up going to that school. I think it's mainly on the school breaking the rules and maybe should affect the eligibility of the player for a season.

[BigBabyHog71]

it is likely an unpopular opinion, but you won't solve the problem by going after the lowest man on the totem pole, you have to go after the individuals with the power. Same reason any immigration reform that doesn't go hard after companies for hiring illegal immigrants is a joke.

Good Point!

[BigBabyHog71]

They're never going to be able to prove an exact dollar amount. So "pay it back" may sound good but it's really not possible. I do agree that players should be punished as well and that if they were a lot of the issues would improve.

I don't think the exact amount is the point.  To me really its determent.  Can we put things in place to deter boosters, schools, and athletes to not partake in this crap because it is not fair to the kids, coaches, and teams that do it the right way with no extra curricular earnings.  How many does that include?  We will never know!

[Pig Papi]

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/gift-tax

MOST people will not have to pay gift tax if they simply understand estate tax rules and how to use the unified credit. 

[Hoggish1]

Does anyone besides me think that the player that received the benefits should be suspended from playing for a year or so as well regardless of what school they went too.  Also the family should be made to pay the money back.  I think this would help deter some of the players and families from partaking in this type of mess with boosters. 

I'm with you on that. 

And, while we're at it, make the HC and the AD forfeit an equal sum of $.  Maybe if that happened, those two entities would be more diligent and run a tighter ship....

[Hoggish1]

Does anyone besides me think that the player that received the benefits should be suspended from playing for a year or so as well regardless of what school they went too.  Also the family should be made to pay the money back.  I think this would help deter some of the players and families from partaking in this type of mess with boosters. 

I'm with you on that. 

And, while we're at it, make the HC and the AD forfeit an equal sum of $.  Maybe if that happened, those two entities would be more diligent and run a tighter ship....

Again allegations by the NCAA.  Let due process proceed.  In addition.  Why are we talking about this?  I could care.  Its Ole Miss 

Anything that has to do with Olepiss is fair game to talk about.  Because they exist they should be busted.

[PorkSoda]

Does anyone besides me think that the player that received the benefits should be suspended from playing for a year or so as well regardless of what school they went too.  Also the family should be made to pay the money back.  I think this would help deter some of the players and families from partaking in this type of mess with boosters. 

its an ncaa issue not a criminal issue.  the ncaa can't really do anything to the  boosters, parents or the players.  they can only do things to the schools and even that is pretty limited.

[jdlew]

Looks like it the ones talking did not go to OM...you got to know that some past and present player got paid also...but they are not talking...

[Con el Cerdos]

I'm with you on that. 

And, while we're at it, make the HC and the AD forfeit an equal sum of $.  Maybe if that happened, those two entities would be more diligent and run a tighter ship....
Anything that has to do with Olepiss is fair game to talk about.  Because they exist they should be busted.

The NCAA already has a provision (rule) that states the Head Coach is/can be held accountable for any recruiting violation by any of his assistants, whether he knew or not.  Basically indicating he SHOULD have know about if it happened on his watch.

With the seriousness of the allegations, which includes 21 violations and lack of institutional control, Bucky and the AD both will likely be looking for new employment.

[Con el Cerdos]

its an ncaa issue not a criminal issue.  the ncaa can't really do anything to the  boosters, parents or the players.  they can only do things to the schools and even that is pretty limited.

Actually, there is something the NCAA can do to boosters; they can ban them from participation in the program, which includes even game attendance.

[Bkhardicars]

I think the fact that the NCAA granted immunity to players shows how bad they wanted to get Ole Miss. They NCAA was embarrassed on draft night and royally pissed. I believe they are going to make an example in this case.Not to the extent of an SMU type penalty but it will be tougher than USC's.

[sowmonella]

Actually, there is something the NCAA can do to boosters; they can ban them from participation in the program, which includes even game attendance.

School should be able to sue the offending boosters for lost of income and prestige. I guess in Ole Misses case the prestige part wouldn't apply.

[The real Hogules]

They're never going to be able to prove an exact dollar amount. So "pay it back" may sound good but it's really not possible. I do agree that players should be punished as well and that if they were a lot of the issues would improve.

Then just strip the athlete who accepted illegal inducements of his ammature status and be done with it!
Yes, I understand that he was given immunity, but if Old Myth doesn't receive more than just a slap on the wrist, then TWO cheats will have been given a free pass.

[PorkSoda]

School should be able to sue the offending boosters for lost of income and prestige. I guess in Ole Misses case the prestige part wouldn't apply.

so you don't think OM knew about what was going on?

[bennyl08]

its an ncaa issue not a criminal issue.  the ncaa can't really do anything to the  boosters, parents or the players.  they can only do things to the schools and even that is pretty limited.

You sure about that? What about Ohio State and Terrell Pryor among others with tattoo-gate? Also AJ Green with Georgia? Both examples of the NCAA doing something to the specific players.

[biglewhog77]

I think the whole program should be banned for year and the person that paid the player should get banned for 5 years

[gibby]

They're never going to be able to prove an exact dollar amount. So "pay it back" may sound good but it's really not possible. I do agree that players should be punished as well and that if they were a lot of the issues would improve.

IRS Audit.

[Pork Twain]

Who would make the family pay the money back? The NCAA? Our judicial system?

Also, how do you prove that the money was paid.  The whole point of these types of transactions it to not leave a money trail

[Pork Twain]

IRS Audit.

How exactly is that going to prove someone received money under the table?

[Seebs]

How exactly is that going to prove someone received money under the table?

Forensic Audit -

A forensic audit is an examination and evaluation of a firm's or individual's financial information for use as evidence in court. A forensic audit can be conducted in order to prosecute a party for fraud, embezzlement or other financial claims.

You cannot just say no - if this occurs you will be destroyed.

[Karma]

The Bruce Feldman podcast said that Rivals has revealed who the player is and what school he currently attends. Has anyone heard who it is?

Edit: It's Miss. St. of course. Part of the article:

Ole Miss, per multiple sources, possesses a recording, and has given the SEC a copy, of Lewis' mother asking Ole Miss for money and detailing incentives she received from other programs, including Mississippi State.

[colbs]

Not saying other schools shouldn't be punished but Ole Miss looks bad.  First they pretty much deny everything then when the NCAA comes down on them with proof they start trying to tell on other programs.  Maybe I'd have a little more respect for them if they came clean upfront and told on other programs.

[Pork Twain]

Forensic Audit -

A forensic audit is an examination and evaluation of a firm's or individual's financial information for use as evidence in court. A forensic audit can be conducted in order to prosecute a party for fraud, embezzlement or other financial claims.

You cannot just say no - if this occurs you will be destroyed.

Assuming there is a trail...and you know who you are going to audit and are you going to be willing to commit time and money based of hearsay?  I would say that a booster giving a player a little cash does not leave that big of a footprint and is likely not worth the man-hours.  I mean who really tracks every penny the spend?  To scale, I probably blow as much money on BS things as these rich boosters hand out to players but there might be very little evidence of what I actually spent my money on.

[The Hawg Marshal]

My only hope is that we are as clean as we think we are. It sounds like the Black Bears are going to try and take down anyone and everyone they can.

[sowmonella]

so you don't think OM knew about what was going on?

I'm sure they knew and were involved. I was only suggesting that punishing boosters as well would be a deterrent.

[woodhog73]

I would think that the INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE WOULD be interested in speaking with those families that received $$$. It is taxable income.

[PorkRinds]

My only hope is that we are as clean as we think we are. It sounds like the Black Bears are going to try and take down anyone and everyone they can.

We are as clean as we think we are. Ain't nobody dropping thousands of dollars for high level recruits here. Heck we don't really even get any of them. 

[Vantage 8 dude]

Find this particular 2013 twitt from Freeze to be particularly ironic/laughable: "If you have facts about violations send it to compliance @olemiss.edu. If not, please do not slander these young men or insult their families". Hummm......considering all the dirt that's now officially being revealed I suppose either Ole Miss's compliance website was down during the past 3+ years or someone in the compliance area didn't get the word to "coach" that his staff's bribes and payoffs weren't being sufficiently covered up. What a total slime/scum bag!!

[Karma]

Miss St offered Cam money, and got this player who took $13,000 from OM. Yet he NCAA isn't investigating them. Odd.

[Vantage 8 dude]

Miss St offered Cam money, and got this player who took $13,000 from OM. Yet he NCAA isn't investigating them. Odd.

Well you have to understand the NCAA investigating that "school up north" took all their efforts and attention. Besides, who'd want to spend the money and time going down to Starkville to actually investigate them? I darn well know I wouldn't!!

[Pork Twain]

I honestly do not blame the kids and think they should be left out of it, other than being a witness.  You have all of these 'adults' in positions of authority throwing money at you when you are 16-19, and many of them are coming from some pretty tough situations.  Other than not claiming it on their taxes, has a teenager that accepts money from a coach, recruiter or booster, really broken any law?

http://www.npr.org/2012/03/28/148610494/the-illegal-procedure-of-paying-college-athletes

This one is a really good read

http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/4/10/5594348/college-football-bag-man-interview

[lasthog]

Is it a possibility that a player that receives improper benefits might be a little hard to coach?  Discipline?

Could this cause dissension in the locker room?

I would pass on that job.

[LittlePigMan]

As far as income taxes go any "gift" under 14 grand isn't taxable.

[sowmonella]

As far as income taxes go any "gift" under 14 grand isn't taxable.

But greatly appreciated.

[ricepig]

As far as income taxes go any "gift" under 14 grand isn't taxable.

So.....the $80,000 Lewis got from MSU is taxable?