NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Vanderbilt officials say the Atlantic Coast Conference has filed a formal complaint for one of its members with the Southeastern Conference involving the Commodores' football team.
Vice chancellor David Williams said in a statement Wednesday that the SEC informed Vanderbilt of the complaint.
"We are complying with SEC and Vanderbilt procedures and are conducting an investigation on the matter," Williams said.
The SEC declined comment, and the ACC did not respond to a request for a response.
Maryland coach Randy Edsall gave unconditional releases Wednesday to three players, including quarterback Danny O'Brien, after originally trying to block any transfer to a handful of schools including Vanderbilt. The Commodores hired James Franklin as head coach in December 2010 away from Maryland where he had been coach in waiting to Ralph Friedgen.
Franklin led Vandy to a 6-7 record his first season.
"While at first I thought it was important to limit the institutions to which they could transfer, I have since reconsidered my decision" Edsall said in a statement. "At the end of the day, I want what's best for these guys and I wish them well in their futures."
The other players released include offensive lineman Max Garcia and linebacker Mario Rowson.
O'Brien is on track to graduate in three years and will have two years of eligibility remaining. He was the ACC rookie of the year as a redshirt freshman with Franklin as offensive coordinator in 2010. Under Edsall, he threw seven touchdown passes in an injury shortened season. Maryland finished 2-10 in its first season with Edsall as coach.
"I am pleased to be able to move on and pursue a graduate degree and continue my athletic career at the school of my choosing." O'Brien said. "I would like to thank Coach Edsall for his support throughout this process."
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Softball: Tennessee 2, Georgia 1
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 16
VolinCalif writes:
Way to go VAndy. If you can get in the habit of P.. off the ACC then their may be hope for you in the SEC.
vol4gzus writes:
READ THE FOLLOWING AS IF SKY IS FALLING....Oh my....this is BIG news and the undercurrent ramifications are going to be insurmountable!!!!!! Former school being testy with former emplyoyee with respect to three players who want to leave their current/former school of choice. This is REALLY BIGGGGG!!!!(add echo for effect)
pingkr62 writes:
WHO F-ng CARES!
Voluvr writes:
Shut up or we'll take FSU and Clemson.
chuckfromwoodberry writes:
James Franklin=Lane Kiffen Lite. All the secondary violations, none of the coaching ability. Although he is just as sleazy.
keepitreal4vols writes:
Vandy,
We give you $20 million each year to give us a great GPA & keep you nose clean. Getting investigated is not part of the deal.
Signed,
SEC
pcorange writes:
Another sign Vandy is coming to the front. This is just sour grapes with Maryland.
manniesghost1903 writes:
Couldn't happen to a better bunch of SOBs.
VandyisGold writes:
Where there's smoke there's fire. This guy has got to go!
volterp writes:
It's amazing how UT and MD are having similiar issues with new AD's and football and basketball coaches. Both schools have new people in these 3 important positions, and the transitions have been bumpy. MD has some real issues with AD Anderson and FB coach Edsall, where I think UT has the stronger AD and basketball coach. I'm rooting for Coach Dooley that he can turn the program around. Just some thoughts from a UT grad who's in Baltimore.
GONAVY writes:
How thought provoking and so deep...
GONAVY writes:
good one :)
lyafarre writes:
My guess is the complaint centers around Vandy's coach inappropriately contacting these kids while they were still members of Maryland's team. Basically recruiting them.
This Coach Franklin guy gives me a bad feeling, for some reason. It's all based on reading between the lines, but it seems like he likes to play fast and loose with the rules. Remember the accusations during the season of his offensive linemen trying to take players out of the game by diving for their knees?
bigpapa writes:
Why not allow Edsell and Franklin to slug it out to see who gets the players. From what I can tell, MD is about the only school Franklin hasnt tried to pick a fight with after a game.
givehim6 writes:
Vandys got to get there name in the news some how.
GONAVY writes:
25 players have applied for transfers and releases from their scholarships under Edsall at Maryland in his first year. MD went 2-10 under Edsall who received an upperclassman dominated roster coming off a 9-4 year with a bowl win. Ask the fan base what they think of Edsall, who's alienated them, most of his team, and now the new AD who hired him. Franklin recruited the QB, and under his tutelage coached him to the ACC Freshman of the Year and All ACC, setting records. Edsall comes in and benches him. He will finish his undergrad this spring and wants to go to grad school, and has 2 years of eligibility left. He has played for and respects Franklin. Seems to me the onus is on the Maryland staff.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.