Former West Texas A&M player alleges he and parents did schoolwork for star receiver
A former kicker for West Texas A&M University alleges that his parents took a Spanish test for one of the team’s best players.
Jose Azarte Jr., a backup kicker who played for the Buffs until Oct. 13, told the Amarillo Globe-News that he informed both school and NCAA officials that he “completed homework and assignments” for Anthony Johnson, a starting wide receiver. Azarte Jr. also said that his Spanish-speaking parents used Johnson’s login name to complete a Spanish exam.
From the Globe-News:
Azarte Jr. gave Amarillo Globe-News screenshots of his Spanish-speaking parents, Diana and Jose Azarte Sr., logged in on the VISTAS Supersite on June 15 under Johnson’s login. Azarte Jr. said Johnson was in the same room at his parents’ home in Canyon on the day of the test but never took the exam. Azarte Jr. said Johnson spent the entire time on his phone.
Additionally, Azarte Jr. produced text messages (all of which can be seen when scrolling through the photos attached to the Globe-News article) showing an assistant coach urging Azarte Jr. to help Johnson with his work in exchange for increased playing time.
A May 30 text message from “Coach Hinton,” believed to be wide receivers/special teams coordinator Joel Hinton, reads: “I told AJ to call you. The more touchdowns that guy scores the more you get to kick!”
On top of that, Azarte Jr. said that Hinton reiterated the sentiment from his text message on another occasion.
Azarte Jr. said Hinton called one day during the spring asking to have his lawn mowed. Azarte Jr. and his dad run a landscaping business. “But I think all Coach Hinton wanted to do was talk to me in person,” Azarte Jr. said. “Because there was no grass to be mowed. It was all leaves in the backyard, so my dad and I picked those up. As we’re leaving, Coach Hinton reminded me if AJ scores I kick points.”
Azarte Jr. never saw the playing field for the Buffs before he left the program. He asked head coach Mike Nesbitt for his release on Oct. 12. When Nesbitt wouldn’t give him his release, Azarte Jr. decided to report the alleged academic fraud to the NCAA.
When reached by the Globe-News Monday, Nesbitt confirmed there is an ongoing investigation.
“I can confirm an investigation into an alleged academic issue potentially involving two football student-athletes. The process is ongoing, and I will have no other comment at this time," he said.
Nesbitt would not confirm the reason Johnson, who leads the team with 45 catches and 673 yards, was held out of Saturday’s game against Texas A&M-Kingsville.
Meanwhile, Azarte Jr. said he is unsure whether or not he will try to join a football team at another college.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
