Sources: NCAA probes man who sent players to Oregon

[JonLP24]

NCAA officials are examining whether a Texas man helped steer high school football prospects to defending Pac-10 champion Oregon, and Ducks officials on Thursday told ESPN.com that the school paid the man $25,000 in the spring of 2010 for recruiting services.

Sources close to the inquiry told ESPN.com that NCAA officials are taking a closer look at Oregon's recruitment of running back Lache Seastrunk, a redshirt freshman from Temple, Texas, who was one of the country's most highly recruited prospects in 2010. Specifically, the NCAA is asking what role Texas-based trainer Willie Lyles played in Seastrunk's decision to attend Oregon, the sources said.

Oregon athletics department spokesman Dave Williford confirmed to ESPN.com on Thursday that Oregon paid Lyles $25,000 for his recruiting services. Oregon's payment to Lyles was made shortly after Seastrunk signed a national letter of intent in February 2010 to play football for the Ducks, choosing them over California, LSU and USC.

Williford supplied the information after ESPN.com requested a copy of the check under state open records laws. Williford said neither the NCAA nor Pac-10 had contacted Oregon about any possible violations.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6179423