Possible NCAA violation discovered in Vanderbilt rape case testimony
Could a rape trial involving former Vanderbilt football players uncover NCAA violations?
According to testimony in the case involving former Vanderbilt football players, alcohol consumed on the night of the alleged incident was purchased by a possible booster. The purchase would be an impermissible benefit under NCAA guidelines if Angela Gentry meets the NCAA's definition of a booster.
The alleged victim in the case testified under oath that a booster purchased drinks for Commodores football players on June 23, 2013, a violation of the NCAA’s “extra benefits” rule.
Bylaw 16.02.3 rule states that athletes may not be provided with money, gifts, loans, flowers or other items from anyone representing an institution, including fans.
Angela Gentry, who is from West Palm Beach, Fla., was identified in earlier court filings as being a person who picked up the alcohol tab for Vanderbilt players. She could meet the NCAA’s definition for a booster.
In an interview with The Tennessean in June 2014, Gentry admitted to having met one of the accused former players, Brandon Vandenburg, once. Gentry denied regularly buying drinks for athletes, but said it may have happened on occasion.
It's unclear if the NCAA would investigate the incident and possibly hand down any minor penalties.
The testimony is part of the trial involving Vandenburg and former player Cory Batey. They, along with Brandon Banks and Jaborian McKenzie (whose trials are at a later date), are charged with rape involving an unconscious student. The woman testified for 90 minutes on Thursday about the alleged incident, and identified the woman in video from the incident as herself.
In her testimony, she said she's never been as drunk as she was that night.
McKenzie testified earlier in the week that Vandenburg was "amped" before the alleged incident. The four players accused were dismissed from the team following the allegations.
For more Vanderbilt news, visit VandySports.com.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
