Cowboys boosters funneled money
Oklahoma St. players paid from 2001-2011
STILLWATER, Okla. – Boosters and assistant coaches at Oklahoma State handed out tens of thousands of dollars to players for at least a decade as the football program grew into a national power under coaches Les Miles and Mike Gundy, according to a Sports Illustrated article released Tuesday.
The article, which quoted several former players by name, said some players received $2,000 to $10,000 annually, with a few stars receiving $25,000 or more. Eight players told SI they received cash, while 29 others were named by teammates as taking money. The transgressions cited stretched from 2001 until at least 2011, the magazine said.
Among the allegations of misconduct and potential NCAA violations are:
• An Oklahoma State assistant coach, Joe DeForest, paid cash bonuses to players for performance.
• Boosters and assistant coaches funneled money to players and provided sham jobs for players.
• Tutors and school personnel completed school work for players and professors gave passing grades for little or no work.
• The program’s drug policy was selectively enforced, allowing players to go unpunished for positive tests.
• Some members of a hostess program used by the football coaching staff had sex with recruits.