Shady ethics have been a part of college sports for a long time now. It’s the stuff that, if focused on, can sully the pageantry and magnificence of the games. Questions abound frequently in whispers about how an academically challenged student got accepted to a particular college. What’s happening at Auburn right now might shed some light on how.
Tiger freshman running back Jovon Robinson is being held out of practice while the NCAA investigates allegations that his high school transcript was fake.
Athletic department spokesman Kirk Sampson said Friday that Robinson’s academic status is being reviewed.
Memphis City Schools said in a statement that NCAA officials contacted the school district Tuesday regarding allegations involving a former Wooddale High School athlete. The statement said schools superintendent Kriner Cash ordered an immediate investigation and that a school guidance counselor resigned after admitting to creating the falsified transcript.
The Memphis Commercial Appeal first reported the allegations Friday.
The statement did not identify the counselor or the student, but the fact that Robinson, from Memphis, is being held out while his “academic status” is under review makes it pretty clear it is Robinson.
“Know that the District has clear and strict policies and procedures regarding student transcripts,” the school district statement said. “Academic fraud is not and will not be tolerated and will be dealt with swiftly and accordingly.”
Robinson was one of Auburn’s top prospects, and had a chance to contribute in a backfield trying to replace starter Mike Dyer. The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder is easily the biggest of Auburn’s tailbacks and would bring a physical presence to the backfield if he’s eligible.
Messages left by The Associated Press at the school were not returned.
Emails sent to guidance counselors, head coach Keith Spann, assistant football coach Michael Collins and the school principal, Michael Kyle, were not returned. A phone number listed for Spann was disconnected.
Potentially ugly stuff – but not unusual. Happens all the time. Just not all the time exposed.
