JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville attorney John Phillips says allegations about his role in an NCAA football scandal as reported Wednesday by Yahoo Sports is libelous.
Phillips is the man defending Jordan Davis' family in a local high-profile "stand your ground" murder case.
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Now a report by Yahoo Sports ties Phillips to Alabama All-American offensive tackle D.J. Fluker. It claims Phillips gave Fluker large sums of money during his collegiate career, which is a violation of NCAA rules.
The report says Phillips wasn't giving the money directly to Fluker. Instead, it claims Phillips gave the money to former Alabama defensive end Luther Davis, and it was Davis who then funneled the money to Fluker and four other Southeastern Conference football players.
Yahoo Sports also posted a photo of a $10,000 check made out to Davis from the Law Offices of John M. Phillips.
In a text message Thursday, Phillips wrote, "I spoke to Alabama back in May about this. Yahoo failed to return my call and got things libelously out of context. That said, I have no comment as I want to make sure those involved with regulating these matters get my statement if they want it before media. Period."
The Yahoo Sports investigation says Phillips, two other agents and a financial advisor are involved in this scandal.
Together, it claims they funneled $45,000 to Davis to give to the college athletes.