College football

Ex-coach: SEC schools bribed him

By wire services
Published January 27, 2005

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - A former high school coach told a federal jury Wednesday that he got offers of money, a job and free law school for his wife before taking $150,000 to steer his best player to Alabama.

Lynn Lang, former coach at Trezevant High School, testified for the second day at the trial of Logan Young, a Memphis millionaire on trial on federal bribery and money laundering charges.

Lang is awaiting sentencing on a guilty plea to racketeering conspiracy. He said he took the money to convince defensive lineman Albert Means to sign with the Crimson Tide in 2000.

In testimony Tuesday in U.S. District Court, Lang said coaches at Kentucky and Georgia also gave him money. He also testified that Tennessee, Mississippi, Michigan State and Arkansas offered money.

Under cross examination by defense lawyer James Neal on Wednesday, Lang added Memphis to the list of schools that offered him a deal, testifying that then-coach Rip Scherer said he would arrange for Lang's wife to attend law school.

TWO DENIED ELIGIBILITY: The NCAA turned down Clemson defensive lineman Vontrell Jamison's appeal for another season of eligibility. Jamison tore his ACL on Sept. 18 and hoped for a waiver to return. South Carolina reserve QB Michael Rathe's request to return for another year also was denied.

INDIANA: Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis is leaving after leading the team in rushing the past two seasons.

SYRACUSE: Greg Robinson completed his staff by hiring Jim Salgado to coach the cornerbacks and secondary. Salgado has been a college coach since 1994.

[Last modified January 27, 2005, 00:41:13]