John Blake lobbied NCAA players for agent
The news surrounding former University of North Carolina assistant coach John Blake continues to surface. A recent report has confirmed that Blake called Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Marcell Dareus in order to try and recruit him for agent Gary
Wichard.
Dareus was under investigation by the NCAA for having received improper benefits throughout the summer. The benefits totalled $1,787 and included airfare to Miami as well as transportation and meals. Dareus gave the total to charity and was suspended by
the NCAA for two games. However, in a recent hearing he announced that Blake had called him to try and recruit him for Wichard.
It was recently revealed that Blake had been issued a credit card by Wichard’s company and was receiving loans from the agent, while he attempted to recruit players for him. This was exposed after Blake was forced to resign from his post with the Tar Heels
because of his involvement in a number of players receiving improper benefits from agents.
UNC has been hit hard over the allegations and was forced to sit 13 players out of their first game of the season in order to determine their eligibility. The squad has had two players reinstated and two players given suspensions, while nine players eligibility
still remains in question.
The Tar Heels have said that they did not know about Blake’s involvement with Wichard and if they had would have fired the assistant coach. Nevertheless, the program has had to bear the brunt of Blake’s poor decision making.
It is not clear as to whether or not Blake has been involved with more students around the country. Nevertheless, the investigation has grown rapidly after initial reports emerged in late August.
The Tar Heels are currently 2-2 with and 0-1 record against ACC opponents.
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