Laremy Tunsil: Ole Miss Investigation Stepfather's Allegations of Improper Benefits (UPDATE)
ByWhile the NCAA is talking to Laremy Tunsil's stepfather about allegations of impermissible benefits, Ole Miss is looking into the matter as well.
The University of Mississippi opened an investigation to determine whether or not Tunsil, an All-SEC offensive lineman, made improper contact with NFL agents and if they provided him with impermissible benefits, ESPN reported.
The NCAA and Ole Miss began their respective probes after Miller accused Tunsil of assaulting him during an argument late last month. Miller claimed Tunsil pushed him down and hit him when confronted about the agents, whereas Tunsil stated Miller was shoving his mother before he stepped in to stop it.
Both self-surrendered to police and are out on bond, but the two are also pressing charges against one another and are due in court on July 14, according to ESPN.
"The University of Mississippi Department of Athletics is aware of the allegations made by Laremy Tunsil's stepfather regarding potential NCAA violations involving Laremy," Ole Miss officials said in a statement. "As we do with any allegation, we initiated an internal investigation last week and have offered the NCAA our full cooperation. We take the obligations to the NCAA and SEC very seriously, and we will continue to educate, monitor and enforce all applicable rules. Any other reports are speculation until the process is complete."
The Jackson Clarion-Ledger first reported that Chris Howard, the NCAA's director of football enforcement, and another official were in Oxford to talk to Miller. Before the NCAA investigators came around, Miller told the Ledger Tunsil was not only meeting with NFL agents, but that they were giving him cash and clothes, among other benefits.
Ole Miss has not taken any disciplinary action against Tunsil, as he told the school's athletic department from the start that he was only defending his mother from Miller. Ole Miss head football coach Hugh Freeze has also pointed out that Tunsil's alleged meeting with the NFL agents may not be a serious violation.
