Ole Miss Faces NCAA Tampering Investigation After Clemson Accusation

The NCAA opened a tampering investigation into Ole Miss football staff members after Clemson coach Dabo Swinney accused the program of improper contact with linebacker Luke Ferrelli. Swinney said Ole Miss inside linebackers coach Pete Golding texted Ferrelli on January 16 while the player was enrolled at Clemson and participating in team workouts.

The text referenced a $1 million contract and asked about a buyout, according to Swinney. Ferrelli had transferred from California to Clemson on January 7, reentered the transfer portal on January 16, and committed to Ole Miss on January 22.

Hours before Swinney's January 23 news conference, the NCAA emailed Ole Miss senior associate athletic director of compliance Taylor Hall requesting forensic imaging of phones belonging to Golding, general manager Austin Thomas, inside linebackers coach Jay Shoop, outside linebackers coach Matt Kitchens, director of player personnel Jai Choudhary, and senior associate athletic director for strategy and cap management Matt McLaughlin.

The NCAA also requested forensic imaging of Ferrelli's phone.

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said on May 13 that repercussions are needed for improper behavior and that the tampering issue may remain unresolved until such action occurs.

The Athletic reported on May 22 that the College Sports Commission is also investigating Ole Miss after receiving a report about the program and an incoming transfer player.

Golding addressed the allegations on March 31, stating there are two sides to every story and that enforcement and compliance offices handle such matters. He said Ferrelli wanted to join Ole Miss and is now with the program. The NCAA investigation is described as being in its early stages.