Coach Fran may have violated NCAA rules with "VIP Connection" emails
stown
Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
in Sports Talk
Link
Oct. 2, 2007, 11:41PM
A&M players back Fran
School launches probe into coach's 'insider' e-mails
By TERRANCE HARRIS
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
COLLEGE STATION — Dennis Franchione's players gave an emotional show of support for the embattled Texas A&M coach on Tuesday.
But the real news of the day came from interim university president Ed Davis, who said the school is launching a investigation into Franchione's "VIP Connection" e-mail newsletter, which the coach was selling to a select group of boosters for $1,200 annually. Franchione has said proceeds from the newsletter directly supported his Web site, coachfran.com. The newsletter delivered insider information such as injuries, player analysis, and recruiting news.
There have been questions about possible NCAA violations concerning the newsletter. The fact the newsletter disclosed player injuries that were not made public has raised concerns about whether the information could have been used for gambling purposes. In addition, some of the e-mails talked about unsigned recruits.
"I have asked (A&M athletic director) Bill Byrne and the athletic department, as well as our NCAA compliance officer (David Batson), to urgently look into the matter of the VIP e-mail list to ensure there are no violations of NCAA rules or regulations," Davis wrote in a released statement.
Players show solidarity
Davis' remarks were in contrast to the picture of solidarity put on by the football program Tuesday afternoon.
A majority of A&M's players, at the urging of quarterback Stephen McGee and the team's Leadership Council, showed up at Franchione's weekly media conference. The gathering was moved into the Hagner Auditorium of the Bright Complex to accommodate the more than 100 players in attendance.
When Franchione entered the room, his players gave him a standing ovation that lasted about 60 seconds. Franchione seemed surprised and at times even appeared close to tears.
"You know, the only thing that's mattered to me is them, and I appreciate them a great deal being here today," said Franchione, whose team is preparing to meet Oklahoma State on Saturday for sole possession of first place in the Big 12 South. "I'm only an effective leader if they want me to be a leader."
Franchione began the media session by reading a prepared statement. He doused rumors that he was going to resign in light of the recent revelations.
Byrne was in Washington, D.C., and did not attend Tuesday's session.
"Bill Byrne, as my boss and the athletic director, has affirmed me in every way and has left no doubt that he has confidence in me and has every intention to help me succeed in building this football program, and for that I am deeply grateful," Franchione said.
Byrne noncommittal
But Byrne, who also released a statement after Franchione met with the media, seemed to be playing his hand down the middle.
"I want to reinforce to members of the media and to our outstanding Aggie fans, I will not discuss matters pertaining to head coaches during their seasons," Byrne wrote. "Everyone who knows me, and that includes our coaching staff, understands my goals and expectations.
"I look forward to working with Coach Fran as our head football coach."
Franchione's players, however, were more candid in support of their coach. McGee, who became emotional after Saturday's win over Baylor when talk turned to Franchione's troubles, came up with the idea to have the players come to Tuesday's media gathering.
"We wanted to do it as players. We wanted to do it without anyone else telling us we need to do it or have to do it. This is because we believe in playing for each other," said McGee. "Coach is one of our teammates and one of our brothers as well."
Coach appreciates support
Franchione said he also has received a great deal of support from fans. He said he has been touched deeply by their e-mails.
"I think sometimes when you're in this role, some people forget you are a human being," said Franchione, as he appeared on the brink of an emotional outburst. "But they forget you have emotions and what you go through, so the positive ones (notes) are meaningful.
"There's none of them that are insignificant, because I do have feelings and I am sensitive, and everybody needs to know that. I do make mistakes, as I have."
terrance.harris@chron.com
Oct. 2, 2007, 11:41PM
A&M players back Fran
School launches probe into coach's 'insider' e-mails
By TERRANCE HARRIS
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
COLLEGE STATION — Dennis Franchione's players gave an emotional show of support for the embattled Texas A&M coach on Tuesday.
But the real news of the day came from interim university president Ed Davis, who said the school is launching a investigation into Franchione's "VIP Connection" e-mail newsletter, which the coach was selling to a select group of boosters for $1,200 annually. Franchione has said proceeds from the newsletter directly supported his Web site, coachfran.com. The newsletter delivered insider information such as injuries, player analysis, and recruiting news.
There have been questions about possible NCAA violations concerning the newsletter. The fact the newsletter disclosed player injuries that were not made public has raised concerns about whether the information could have been used for gambling purposes. In addition, some of the e-mails talked about unsigned recruits.
"I have asked (A&M athletic director) Bill Byrne and the athletic department, as well as our NCAA compliance officer (David Batson), to urgently look into the matter of the VIP e-mail list to ensure there are no violations of NCAA rules or regulations," Davis wrote in a released statement.
Players show solidarity
Davis' remarks were in contrast to the picture of solidarity put on by the football program Tuesday afternoon.
A majority of A&M's players, at the urging of quarterback Stephen McGee and the team's Leadership Council, showed up at Franchione's weekly media conference. The gathering was moved into the Hagner Auditorium of the Bright Complex to accommodate the more than 100 players in attendance.
When Franchione entered the room, his players gave him a standing ovation that lasted about 60 seconds. Franchione seemed surprised and at times even appeared close to tears.
"You know, the only thing that's mattered to me is them, and I appreciate them a great deal being here today," said Franchione, whose team is preparing to meet Oklahoma State on Saturday for sole possession of first place in the Big 12 South. "I'm only an effective leader if they want me to be a leader."
Franchione began the media session by reading a prepared statement. He doused rumors that he was going to resign in light of the recent revelations.
Byrne was in Washington, D.C., and did not attend Tuesday's session.
"Bill Byrne, as my boss and the athletic director, has affirmed me in every way and has left no doubt that he has confidence in me and has every intention to help me succeed in building this football program, and for that I am deeply grateful," Franchione said.
Byrne noncommittal
But Byrne, who also released a statement after Franchione met with the media, seemed to be playing his hand down the middle.
"I want to reinforce to members of the media and to our outstanding Aggie fans, I will not discuss matters pertaining to head coaches during their seasons," Byrne wrote. "Everyone who knows me, and that includes our coaching staff, understands my goals and expectations.
"I look forward to working with Coach Fran as our head football coach."
Franchione's players, however, were more candid in support of their coach. McGee, who became emotional after Saturday's win over Baylor when talk turned to Franchione's troubles, came up with the idea to have the players come to Tuesday's media gathering.
"We wanted to do it as players. We wanted to do it without anyone else telling us we need to do it or have to do it. This is because we believe in playing for each other," said McGee. "Coach is one of our teammates and one of our brothers as well."
Coach appreciates support
Franchione said he also has received a great deal of support from fans. He said he has been touched deeply by their e-mails.
"I think sometimes when you're in this role, some people forget you are a human being," said Franchione, as he appeared on the brink of an emotional outburst. "But they forget you have emotions and what you go through, so the positive ones (notes) are meaningful.
"There's none of them that are insignificant, because I do have feelings and I am sensitive, and everybody needs to know that. I do make mistakes, as I have."
terrance.harris@chron.com
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
0
Comments
That could open up a potential hornets nest of problems with boosters contacting the recruit and offering various incentives
to sign with the university and if the NCAA found out about it a huge problem for the school.