Former Oklahoma State head coach Les Miles and wide receiver Dez Bryant were the two biggest names implicated in part two of Sports Illustrated's report into alleged NCAA rule-breaking at Oklahoma State.
Les Miles, Dez Bryant named in Sports Illustrated’s Oklahoma State academics story
The report claims that current LSU coach Miles fostered an atmosphere where football was more important than academics. Tutors and school support staff allegedly would regularly complete homework assignments and provide test answers to football players in order to keep them eligible.
Bryant was named second team academic All-Big 12, but only went to class when “shepherded” by a staff member and usually had a staffer do his homework. Bryant denies the allegations.
Here is a complete list of former Oklahoma State players that either claim they received the benefit of academic improprieties or have been accused of it by another player.
Carter, Cole, Mickens, defensive tackle Larry Brown (2005 and '06), offensive lineman Jonathan Cruz (2002), linebacker LeRon Furr (2009 to '10), defensive tackle Brad Girtman (2003 and '04), safety Chris Massey (1999 to 2002) defensive end T.J. Minor (2005 and '06), linebacker Marcus Richardson (2007), running back Herschel Sims (2011), wide receiver Artrell Woods (2006 to '08) and defensive back Thomas Wright (2002 to '04) told SI that they had work done for them and/or that they received other improper academic assistance. They and a dozen other players say they witnessed teammates participating in academic misconduct. Among those they named: running back Tatum Bell (2000 to '03), wide receiver Prentiss Elliott (2004), quarterback Josh Fields (2001 to '03), safety Vernon Grant (2002 to '04), cornerback Darrent Williams (2001 to '04) and defensive end Kevin Williams (1998 to 2002).
Darrent Williams and Grant are deceased. Bell, Elliott, Fields and Kevin Williams deny ever having work done for them while at OSU.
As one may have noticed by now, not a lot of the named players are particularly big names. Even some Oklahoma State fans are having problems remembering who they are.
I've followed #okstate football for two dozen years and I haven't heard of 75% of these dudes. Who is Andre McGill?!
— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguy) September 11, 2013
Well, Mr. Pistols Guy, this is Andre McGill.
Another interesting thing to ponder:
Here's a confusing thing about the OSU story... lot of these sources flunked out of school, but claimed work was being done for them..
— Geoff Ketchum (@gkketch) September 11, 2013
Tutor for #okstate athletes in 2006-08 told me: "I never saw any situation where a tutor was sitting down and doing someone’s homework."
— Kelly Hines (@KellyHinesTW) September 11, 2013
Read the full SI report for a more detailed accounting of the alleged transgressions, none of which appear to be particularly shocking or novel, though it’s all very well-detailed and -reported. There should be more former Oklahoma State players coming out and defending themselves today, including former quarterback Josh Fields:
Ill be on the @DanPatrickShow at 9:05 ct, whoever the unnamed source is throwing my name into all this, call me up. Lets chat on the radio.
— Josh Fields (@OkieFields) September 11, 2013
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