STARKVILLE — The NCAA is conducting an investigation into a “potential recruiting irregularity” involving the Mississippi State University football program.
Sources close to the situation have confirmed to The Dispatch the investigation involves an automobile purchased for MSU freshman defensive back Will Redmond. The Ford Mustang was purchased from a used car dealership in Redmond’s hometown of Memphis, before he signed with MSU in February.
According to a report by ESPN.com national college football reporter Joe Schad, former MSU receivers coach Angelo Mirando is under investigation for the recruitment of at least one player.
MSU officials declined to comment about Schad’s report.
MSU officials released a statement Thursday, saying the school “over the last several months has worked in cooperation with the NCAA to examine a potential recruiting irregularity.” The statement also says the investigation is “nearing the end.”
After several attempts at communicating with the NCAA Eligibility Center, NCAA Associate Director of Public and Media Relations Stacey Osburn released a statement to The Dispatch confirming MSU’s statement but offered “no further comment” at this time.
MSU coach Dan Mullen said Thursday evening the investigation “has been going on for the last several months.” The Bulldogs’ fourth-year coach confirmed Redmond participated in practice Thursday.
Mullen attempted to downplay the reports Thursday evening after he was told news broke while MSU was on the practice field.
“I would try to get a little more reliable source than Joe Schad,” Mullen said. “I’m supposed to be coaching at (Penn State), I guess, right now, too, according to Joe Schad last year. Wasn’t that the case?”
Also Thursday, MSU announced former University of Minnesota coach Tim Brewster has replaced Mirando as wide receivers coach. Mirando resigned Sunday evening, citing what school officials called “personal reasons.”
After being questioned about the matter Tuesday evening, Mullen said he didn’t have any further comment about Mirando’s resignation, adding, “I’m sure down the road, at some point, much later on, we will.”
According to a report in the Memphis Commercial Appeal, NCAA investigators have questioned Byron De’Vinner, who coached Redmond on a 7-on-7 team. De’Vinner was the same 7-on-7 coach of current Auburn University running back Jovon Robinson, also from Memphis, who is being investigated by the NCAA.
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