A former Texas A&M football player claims members of Jimbo Fisher's new coaching staff committed potential NCAA violations, according to a report from USA Today's Dan Wolken.
Former A&M linebacker Santino Marchiol told USA Today that he and another A&M player received cash from an assistant coach to host recruits on unofficial visits. The 2017 A&M signee also told the national newspaper that during the offseason, the Aggies worked with the coaching staff more than the maximum allotted time allowed by the NCAA.
Marchiol, who redshirted the 2017 season, transferred this offseason to Arizona to play for coach Kevin Sumlin. Sumlin was A&M's coach for six seasons before he was fired last November.
The former 4-star recruit out of IMG Academy also alleged A&M's medical staff mistreated and misdiagnosed an ankle injury and forced him to practice through it for a week, which ultimately resulted in his transfer.
Marchiol, according to USA Today, is seeking a waiver from the NCAA to play immediately. College athletics' governing body currently requires undergraduates who transfer to sit out a year of playing time.
The former A&M linebacker alleges A&M assistant Bradley Dale Pevoto gave him a total of $700 over the course of two separate occasions to host recruits on unofficial visits. Unlike the five all-expenses-paid official visits a prospect is allowed, the NCAA requires recruits to fully fund unofficial visits.
Marchiol also told the newspaper players spent more than eight hours a week with coaches during the summer, which is against NCAA rules. Schools are currently allowed to work with players for eight hours a week during the offseason. Once those hours have been exhausted, all workouts must be voluntary and without coaching instruction.
The current Arizona linebacker said new A&M defensive coordinator Mike Elko offered instruction during voluntary workouts, which resembled a traditional practice, according to the report.
In a statement provided to The News on Tuesday, the university said it is looking into the matter.
"Texas A&M Athletics takes these allegations seriously, and we are reviewing the situation with the NCAA and the SEC Office," the school said.
If the allegations are true, the university could be subject to potential NCAA violations early in Fisher's tenure.
Last December, A&M agreed to a deal to bring Fisher to College Station from Florida State, where he coached for the previous eight years. Fisher compiled an 83-23 record with the Seminoles. He is one of four active coaches who has won a national championship.
