There’s a problem in college football, and it’s not going away anytime soon.
The 2010 football season and this spring have seen a constant barrage of stories about ineligibility, problems with agents and recruiting violations.
A number of major schools have been involved in rumors of such allegations this season, including Oregon, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Auburn, Ohio State and LSU.
It’s a problem dating back to last summer, when a number of Southeastern Conference coaches talked about the problems with agents at SEC Media Days.
Former Florida coach Urban Meyer sounded off about the issue, but said the schools keep agents away with security.
“I heard a comment about keeping the agents off campus — arguably one of the most ridiculous statements I’ve ever heard because they are off campus,” Meyer said. “They’re not on our campus. If they are, they’re hiding behind bushes.”
LSU junior center P.J. Lonergan said he has never seen agents approaching any of his teammates, but said the problem always seems worse around bowl season.
“I think any time the NFL draft comes around and there’s suspicion going on, especially with agents, that’s going to happen,” Lonergan said. “(With) the bowl schedule, not being able to play in games … I think the agent hype and talk is always going to be high.”
In addition to the agent problems, major schools have also appeared in the spotlight for recruiting violations. NCAA guidelines can be a confusing business when it comes to recruiting, and the rules aren’t always clear.
LSU got itself into hot water when it self-reported violations that occurred in 2009. The allegations included transportation and free lodging for a former player.
But just when the smoke cleared, new rumors began to circulate involving LSU’s relationship with street agent Willie Lyles.
ESPN linked Lyles to former LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson last week. A report appearing on ESPN.com said Lyles asked Texas A&M for $80,000 to secure Peterson’s commitment in 2007.
Peterson has repeatedly denied having any contact with agents, even as his counterparts in the SEC received suspensions for receiving illegal gifts. During SEC Media Days, Peterson admitted agents attempted to contact him frequently, but he said he has always kept his distance.
Peterson also denied having any relationship with Lyles in a statement issued by LSU last week.
Sophomore safety Eric Reid said the NCAA may be keeping a watchful eye on several programs, but it won’t find anything on LSU.
“I guess the NCAA is really trying to crack down on its policies,” Reid said. “But as far as LSU, we haven’t done anything wrong and our name stays clean.”
Junior wide receiver Russell Shepard said the team has only been focusing on the next season and not the rumors.
“We really don’t know anything,” Shepard said. “We just worry about the journey to New Orleans. … We just want to win games and play football.”
 
____
Contact Katherine Terrell at [email protected]