Iowa NCAA investigation

[CleveBucks]

Cell-phone probe continues at U. Iowa

By Tyson Wirth, The Daily Iowan
April 26, 2006

(U-WIRE) IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The University of Iowa extended its deadline Monday for conclusion of the investigation into allegations that five Iowa football players received preferential treatment from a local cell-phone services provider in return for 2006 Outback Bowl tickets.

President David Skorton and Athletics Director Bob Bowlsby set a 30-day investigation in a joint statement on March 23, but Bowlsby said he now expects a report by mid-May.

"The Office of the General Counsel and the athletics department have completed much of the investigation, but some aspects are still pending," he said in a release. "Some additional time will be necessary to examine some remaining aspects of the investigation. Barring any unforeseen developments, I'm anticipating that the report will be on my desk by about May 15."

General Counsel Marcus Mills declined to comment on which aspects of the investigation are still pending.

Documents obtained from an unemployment-compensation appeals hearing indicate that former IPCS Wireless employee Jeremy Reed sold a $79.99 headset and a $49.99 phone charger to a customer for 1 penny each, among other charges.

At his hearing, Reed said the football tickets were "gifts" from a "friend." The judge determined the "friend" was a football player, and preferential treatment was provided to the athletes in exchange for gifts and other benefits.

The insurance appeal indicates the only customers who received perks were Hawkeye football players and Reed's family members.

Audio tapes of the hearing named departing Iowa senior Jovon Johnson as one of the football players involved in the exchange, but Steve Parrott, the director of University Relations, said he couldn't confirm that the cornerback committed any offense.

"I think it's pretty well-confirmed that he was named, but that's not indicative of any wrongdoing," Parrott said. "It's not clear what that means, yet."