State investigators speak with Gary Wichard
North Carolina State investigators interviewed football agent Gary Wichard, and questioned him about breaking the North Carolina sports agent laws.
Wichard is currently linked to an ongoing investigation involving the University of North Carolina, several of their players and most notably, former assistant coach John Blake. Wichard is said to have been involved with Blake, as the two attempted to recruit
college players for Wichard’s agency in California.
Wichard’s attorney, Howard Silber, stated that his client spoke with the investigators for several hours on the telephone and was totally compliant. Unfortunately, Wichard refused to comment on the teleconference.
Recently, it was revealed that Blake had taken six separate loans from Wichard. Blake made it clear that three of the loans were taken in order to help put his son through private school, after he was fired from a coaching job at Oklahoma. But Blake could
not explain three other loans, one of which was worth $45,000 and was received while he was working at UNC. Moreover, Blake was also issued a company credit card from Wichard’s agency.
The NCAA began to investigate UNC when it was revealed that several students may have received improper benefits from agents. Their investigation expanded when it became obvious that Blake was involved with Wichard.
A recent development has Blake recommending star Alabama Crimson Tide defensive end Marcel Dareus to Wichard in a phone conversation.
The Southeastern Conference has been marred by NCAA investigation this season. South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia and UNC have all had players suspended already this year for violating NCAA rules when dealing with agents. In addition, the Tar Heels’ program
still has nine players waiting to find out about their eligibility.
Blake resigned from the UNC program in August when the investigation began heating up.
UNC has been hurt substantially by the ongoing NCAA probe, sitting at 2-2, which is only good enough for 4th in the ACC – Costal.
Tags: