NCAA reportedly looking into Dabo Swinney’s tampering claim against Ole Miss
By David Wasson
Published:
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney made headlines last week in during a lengthy news conference diatribe, alleging that Ole Miss tampered with a Tigers player and lured the player to Oxford with a million-dollar NIL deal.
Swinney’s comments surrounding the continued recruitment of Cal transfer linebacker Luke Ferrelli caused a firestorm of controversy, and now the NCAA confirms that it is investigating Ole Miss on the issue.
The Athletic reported Tuesday morning that the NCAA confirmed its involvement in the matter, and that officials have been in direct contact with Clemson regarding Swinney’s allegations.
“The NCAA will investigate any credible allegations of tampering and expect full cooperation from all involved as is required by NCAA rules,” NCAA vice president of enforcement Jon Duncan said in the statement, via The Athletic. “We will not comment further on any ongoing investigation.”
Ferrelli transferred to Clemson from Cal after earning ACC Defensive Freshman of the Year honors, including moving to Clemson and attending classes and Tigers position meetings.
Swinney alleged that Ole Miss coach Pete Golding, who initially lost out on Ferrelli’s services to Clemson, kept contacting Ferrelli after he enrolled – going so far as to screenshot a million-dollar NIL contract for Ferrelli to flip to the Rebels.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
