The Tennessee football program is under investigation for alleged recruiting violations and impermissible benefits to current student-athletes, according to a report from Trey Wallace of Fox Sports Knoxville.
The NCAA and Tennessee’s own compliance department are involved in the investigation.
“The University’s general counsel has been interviewing subjects that are the focus of the investigation over the past several weeks,” Wallace’s report said. “Multiple sources suggest the investigation dates back to at least early December.”
Tennessee backup quarterback Brian Maurer and starting running back Eric Gray were held out of Saturday’s game against Texas A&M, but there was no reason given for their absence. Defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley and running backs coach Jay Graham were also missing.
The alleged violations involve current Tennessee players along with recruits. There are multiple assistant coaches, staffers and players who have been questioned as part of the investigation. Wallace’s report specifically named inside linebackers coach Brian Niedermeyer.
“In keeping with our institutional commitment to compliance, we often look closely at regulatory issues that are brought to our attention via internal or external channels,” the University told Wallace. “Maintaining compliance is a shared responsibility, and active monitoring is part of that process.”
Wallace says the University will continue the investigation and that the football program has fully complied thus far.
