Former Auburn head coach Gene Chizik is going on the defense about the recent cheating allegations surrounding the Auburn football team. Reports surfaced that the university changed grades of players and paid them for playing during the 2010-11 season. Chizik released a statement calling the allegations false and "short on facts and logic."
A report from author Selena Roberts surfaced Wednesday of interviews of former Auburn players, accusing the school of changing grades to secure player eligibility and offered money as incentive for players to return for their senior season with the school. In the report, three Auburn players said as many as nine players had their grades changed prior to the 2011 National Championship game, which Auburn won. All violations were reportedly committed while Chizik was head coach. Chizik released his own statement regarding the report shortly after it was released.
"The recent story published by Selena Roberts is more of the same. It once again portrays Auburn University, current and former coaches, professors, fans, supporters and community officials in a false light," Chizik said.
Her original report focused on the 2011 arrest of former Auburn safety Mike McNeil who is currently facing charges for robbery and is awaiting trial. Roberts accused Florida head coach Will Muschamp of paying McNeil $400, something the coach denies as well.
"Totally deny it. I don't know where this is coming from," Muschamp said
Roberts was also responsible for the report accusing Auburn of illegally recruiting former quarterback Cam Newton and paying him to come to the school. The report noted that Newton's father had asked for money during his son's recruitment. An NCAA investigation found the school innocent of any wrong doings.
Chizik was fired at the end of the 2012 season after Auburn went 3-9 and winless in the SEC. During his time as head coach, he led Auburn to an undefeated season and a National Championship in 2010. Chizik was named the Home Depot Coach of the Year and Cam Newton won the Heisman trophy.
The NCAA has said they will look over Roberts report and act accordingly. Auburn has also said they will investigate the report further, but believes there is no reason to think anything she wrote was true.
"During my time as Auburn's head coach, I never authorized, instructed or directed anyone to change any player's grade or provide any type of illegal payment to any student-athlete. Likewise, I am not aware of any alleged grade changing or illegal payment by any member of my coaching staff, support staff or anyone else," Chizik said.
