GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida and the NCAA are investigating an allegation that former Gators offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey received $100,000 from a representative of a sports agent before last season ended, reported Monday.
The allegation stated Pouncey received the money between Florida’s loss to Alabama in the Southeastern Conference title game and its Sugar Bowl victory over Cincinnati, according to the report. The alleged representative was not named.
If Pouncey took money, Florida could be forced to vacate its 51-24 Sugar Bowl win over Cincinnati because Pouncey would have been an ineligible player. But quarterback Tim Tebow‘s brilliant performance against the Bearcats — including 533 total yards, a Bowl Championship Series bowl game record — would likely stand because the Broncos’ first-round draft pick wasn’t directly involved in the allegations.
Pouncey was selected 18th overall in this year’s NFL draft. His brother, Mike, will be a senior offensive lineman with the Gators this season.
• South Carolina athletic director Eric Hyman said the NCAA is investigating a possible rules violation of one of its athletic programs.
Tight end Weslye Saunders has been identified by various media reports as the target of the investigation.
Titans, Johnson agree to new deal
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Running back Chris Johnson and the Tennessee Titans agreed on a revised deal that will ensure he reports with the rest of the team for training camp. Johnson, who rushed for 2,006 yards in 2009, will reportedly earn $2.5 million this season under the revised deal.
• Miami Dolphins defensive end Phillip Merling has been formally charged with felony battery against his pregnant girlfriend. If convicted, Merling could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 for the alleged May incident.
Serena questionable for Open
NEW YORK — Serena Williams is questionable for the U.S. Open because of her recent foot injury, according to the WTA Tour.
Williams cut her right foot on broken glass at a restaurant shortly after winning Wimbledon.
Williams’ return to the Open has been widely anticipated because of her tumultuous semifinal loss there last year, when she threw a tirade at a line judge at the end of a match against Kim Clijsters and was fined a record $82,500.
Footnotes.
New England Revolution midfielder Steve Ralston, Major League Soccer’s career leader in games, starts, minutes and assists, said he plans to announce his retirement from soccer today.
• D.C. United forward Adam Cristman underwent surgery for a sports hernia and is expected to be sidelined two to three weeks.
• United States left back Jonathan Bornstein will leave Major League Soccer’s Chivas USA and join Mexico’s Tigres UNAL on Jan. 1.
• Vitaly Marinitch, a 1989 world champion who runs the men’s gymnastics program at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, will be the head coach of the American team heading to the world championships in October.
Denver Post wire services
