— The Athletic‘s Ralph D. Russo contributed to this report.
Sports
Ole Miss faces NCAA tampering probe, separate CSC NIL investigation into transfers
Ole Miss football is the subject of investigations by the NCAA and the College Sports Commission over two separate incidents.
The NCAA inquiry into high-profile tampering allegations from Clemson was reported by ESPN on Friday. Documents obtained by The Athletic through a public-records request reveal a different investigation by the CSC into a possible violation of NIL rules.
The Athletic reached out to an Ole Miss spokesperson for comment, but has yet to receive a response.
The ESPN report cited documents it obtained through an open-records request, including an email from an NCAA enforcement staffer to Ole Miss senior associate athletic director for compliance, Taylor Hall, that was sent on Jan. 23 — a few hours before Clemson coach Dabo Swinney publicly accused Ole Miss of improperly communicating with linebacker Luke Ferrelli. Ferrelli, who had transferred to Clemson from Cal, ended up at Ole Miss.
Although not publicly confirmed until ESPN’s reporting, the NCAA investigation has been a topic of conversation in the industry. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips was asked about it at last week’s spring meetings and said he thought “that case in particular is going to be dealt with.”
Tampering, however, does not fall under the jurisdiction of the CSC. Player compensation does.
The CSC was formed after the House settlement, which allowed schools to begin paying players directly in July. The fledgling organization’s enforcement methods and its ability to implement penalties are largely untested/unknown. The CSC won a notable arbitration case involving Nebraska players last week, but the ruling does not necessarily apply to other cases.
Five days after the NCAA notified Ole Miss of its inquiry, the CSC separately reached out to ask about a transfer’s NIL and revenue-sharing deals, according to correspondence obtained by The Athletic through a public-records request. The player’s name and former school are redacted.
After Ole Miss and the player submitted deals to the CSC, investigators continued to ask about other deals, including whether any were pending with associated individuals or entities.
On Feb. 11, Hall, the senior associate athletic director for compliance, replied in part: “Is there anything else specifically that I need to ask him about? We are committed to being transparent and want to ensure our reporting obligations are satisfied.”
Two days later, the CSC sent a formal request to interview the player the next week on campus as it investigated whether he “violated rules related to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements.”
Ole Miss has been a lightning rod in the industry, recently drawing barbs from Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian. A $475,000 term sheet, a copy of which was obtained by The Athletic, that Ole Miss provided to a transfer who landed with the Rebels this past winter portal window, drew scrutiny from the player’s former Power Four conference and was passed along to the CSC several months ago. The sheet listed $235,000 in NIL compensation, but provided no explanation or sources for that figure. NIL payments are not allowed to be pay-for-play arrangements; they must be awarded for specific work, such as endorsements.
The CSC declined to comment on the investigation.
>
Sports
Raven Chapman could return to UK next week after brain bleed
Britain’s Raven Chapman could travel back to the UK next week after undergoing a second successful surgery on a brain bleed she suffered following a sparring session in Denmark.
The 32-year-old former world title challenger collapsed after training on 24 July and was taken by helicopter to hospital, where she was diagnosed with a brain haematoma and cerebral oedema.
After undergoing emergency surgery and being placed in a medically induced coma, Chapman’s management company, Vote Boxing, said she has had another successful procedure.
“This marks another important step in her recovery while also making it safer for her to travel back to the UK,” a statement said.
“If everything continues to progress as hoped, we are aiming for Raven to fly home sometime next week, where she can continue her recovery surrounded by her family and loved ones.
“Although there is still a long road ahead, this is a significant milestone, and we remain hopeful as Raven continues to make progress each day.”
Chapman has won 10 professional fights with two losses.
The Norwich-born fighter lost to Skye Nicolson for the WBC featherweight title in October 2024 in the only women’s world-title fight ever held in Saudi Arabia.
A GoFundMe page has been launched to help raise funds for Chapman’s rehabilitation and after-care has raised over £88,000.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who has supported Raven through her GoFundMe, as well as everyone who has sent messages, shared their prayers, and shown kindness throughout this incredibly difficult time,” the statement added.
“Your generosity and support have meant more than words can express and have provided tremendous strength to Raven and her loved ones.
“Thank you for continuing to keep Raven in your thoughts as she continues her recovery.”
>
Sports
How to watch the women’s National Bank Open presented by Rogers: Streaming options for the Round of 16
There are four women’s matches at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers today, the best being No. 11-ranked Marta Kostyuk versus No. 8 Iga Swiatek.
National Bank Open presented by Rogers key details
- Tournament: The National Bank Open presented by Rogers
- Round: Round of 16
- Date: August 8
- Streaming: Fubo (Stream now)
- Venue: Sobeys Stadium
- Location: Toronto, Ontario
- Court Surface: Hard
- Watching in person? Get tickets on StubHub.
National Bank Open presented by Rogers schedule today
- Marta Kostyuk vs. Iga Swiatek, 12:30 p.m. ET (Round of 16)
- Jessica Pegula vs. Diana Shnaider, 1:40 p.m. ET (Round of 16)
- Aryna Sabalenka vs. Ekaterina Alexandrova, 7 p.m. ET (Round of 16)
- Elina Svitolina vs. Amanda Anisimova, 8:10 p.m. ET (Round of 16)
This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
Photo: Clive Brunskill, Carl De Souza, Filipe Amorim, Valery Hache / Getty Images
Connections: Sports Edition
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today’s puzzle
>
Sports
How to watch the men’s National Bank Open Presented by Rogers: Streaming options for the Round of 16
The men’s schedule at the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers today includes four matches, among them Jiri Lehecka (ranked No. 12) against Rafael Jodar (No. 15).
National Bank Open Presented by Rogers key details
- Tournament: The National Bank Open Presented by Rogers
- Round: Round of 16
- Date: August 8
- Streaming: Fubo (Stream now)
- Venue: Stade Iga
- Location: Montréal, Quebec
- Court Surface: Hard
- Watching in person? Get tickets on StubHub.
National Bank Open Presented by Rogers schedule today
- Nuno Borges vs. Luciano Darderi, 12:30 p.m. ET (Round of 16)
- Arthur Rinderknech vs. Brandon Nakashima, 1:40 p.m. ET (Round of 16)
- Jiri Lehecka vs. Rafael Jodar, 6 p.m. ET (Round of 16)
- Arthur Fils vs. Cameron Norrie, 7:10 p.m. ET (Round of 16)
This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
Photo: Clive Brunskill, Carl De Souza, Filipe Amorim, Valery Hache / Getty Images
Connections: Sports Edition
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today’s puzzle
>
-
movies3 months agoSearch For Canadian TV Actor Stewart McLean Now Homicide Investigation
-
Fashion9 years agoThese ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2017
-
Fashion9 years agoAccording to Dior Couture, this taboo fashion accessory is back
-
Fashion9 years agoModel Jocelyn Chew’s Instagram is the best vacation you’ve ever had
-
Fashion9 years agoYour comprehensive guide to this fall’s biggest trends
-
Fashion9 years ago9 Celebrities who have spoken out about being photoshopped
-
Fashion9 years agoEmily Ratajkowski channels back-to-school style
-
Fashion9 years agoA photo diary of the nightlife scene from LA To Ibiza


