Oklahoma State University's football program is under fire after multiple reports have surfaced of long-term academic scandals and payments of players.
Thirteen players from different tenures ranging from 2000 to 2011 are alleging that they committed academic fraud while playing for the Cowboys. In addition, SI.com is reporting that several players received cash payments that began when current LSU head coach Les Miles assumed control of the program, but continued under Mike Gundy in 2005.
Miles is taking the issue head-on, saying in a press conference those accusing him of paying players "weren't there long enough to figure it out," because they were removed from the program.
He had more to say on the topic, choosing to deny the allegations forcefully. "I revered my time in Stillwater," Miles said. "The idea that someone would characterize the program that was run there as anything but right and correct ..."
"Did we work hard? You betcha. Did we make tough decisions about starting lineups? You betcha. But every guy was encouraged to get his degree, stay the course and fight."
ESPN.com lists the following players as former Oklahoma State players who committed academic indiscretions while playing football at the school:
Safety Fath' Carter (2000-03), wide receiver William Cole (2007-08), cornerback Calvin Mickens (2005-07), defensive tackle Larry Brown (2005-06), offensive lineman Jonathan Cruz (2002), linebacker LeRon Furr (2009-10), defensive tackle Brad Girtman (2003-04), safety Chris Massey (1999-2002), defensive end T.J. Minor (2005-06), linebacker Marcus Richardson (2007), running back Herschel Sims (2011), wide receiver Artrell Woods (2006-08) and defensive back Thomas Wright (2002-04).
All of those players allege they had other people completing their work for them, or received "improper academic assistance."
Two prominent former Cowboys, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant and Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden are denying the truth of these claims. Weeden called the reports "comical" and claimed they made him "laugh out loud," while Bryant maintained he didn't receive undue help in making the Big 12's All-Academic second team.
Other former prominent Oklahoma State players Tatum Bell, Prentiss Elliot, and Josh Fields have called the reports untrue.
SI.com's report also lobs a bombshell charge that recreational drug use was tolerated, and women were paid to have sex with potential recruits on their visits.
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