UGA’s Orson Charles mentioned in report on NCAA violations at Miami
Georgia tight end Orson Charles has been mentioned in the mess that Yahoo! Sports is reporting about the University of Miami and its relationship with a notorious booster named Nevin Shapiro. Shapiro is a convicted felon who, in several prison interviews, claims he provided impermissible benefits to dozens of Miami players and recruits.
Charles is listed among those recruits with whom Shapiro claims to have had impermissible contact. But, on face value at least, it doesn’t look like he is anything but a bystander in all this.
The bombastic report, written by Yahoo! Sports reporter Charles Robinson, merely alleges that Charles was escorted by a Miami assistant coach to Shapiro to be given “a recruiting pitch.” As we all know, Charles rather famously signed with Georgia. Shapiro is incarcerated in federal prison in Atlanta after being convicted for his role in a $930 million Ponzi scheme.
Current and former Miami players and student-athletes from all over are implicated by Shapiro and other sources in the extensive report, which includes thousands of supporting documents such as bank statements, hotel folios, cell phone records and corroborating quotes from athletes. Here’s the specific passage in which Charles is mentioned (along with several other recruits):
Among the specific incidents, Shapiro or other sources say Hurtt, Hill, Stoutland, Pannunzio and Allen all delivered top-tier recruits to Shapiro’s home or luxury suite so the booster could make recruiting pitches to them. Among the players who were ushered to Shapiro while they were still in high school: Eventual Miami commitments Ray-Ray Armstrong, Dyron Dye and Olivier Vernon (prompted by Hurtt); eventual Florida commitments Andre Debose (Hurtt) and Matt Patchan (prompted by Stoutland and Pannunzio); eventual Georgia commitment Orson Charles (Pannunzio); and eventual Central Florida commitment Jeffrey Godfrey (Allen).
A hot-link on Charles’ name carries readers to a page that provides more details of on Charles and his encounter with Shapiro, including Shapiro’s account of the meeting:
“Orson Charles was a tight end out of Plant City [High School] who was Robert Marve’s teammate. And because I had a real close relationship with Robert, Robert’s high school coach, Robert Weiner, came to Miami, Marve brought him to my house and he was with Orson Charles. I showed [Charles] my closet. The reason why I show all the kids my closet is because that’s where I had like 50 to 70 UM game-worn jerseys of all the best players in the last however long. That was our first visit. I saw him a second time and I think it was a Miami football camp.”
Charles’ name is also on a list of players Shapiro mentions that appears next to the text of the story. Again, click HERE to read the entire report from Yahoo!Sports. Here’s an Associated Press story on Charles’ connection and here’s a link to The AP report about the story.
UGA officials did not return messages sent late Tuesday night seeking comment about Charles. Wednesday morning Athletic Director Greg McGarity said via email UGA is checking into it.
If and when they respond, I suspect they will say something similar to what Alabama spokesperson Doug Walker said: “The University of Alabama is aware of the story, but we will have no further comment.”
Joe Pannunzio was the tight ends and special teams coach at Miami under former head coach Randy Shannon and is now the first-year director of football operations at Alabama. Bama’s new offensive line coach, Jeff Stoutland, is also implicated in the Yahoo! Sports report.
Charles, a junior from Tampa, is a preseason All-SEC first-team selection expected to be one of the Bulldogs’ main offensive weapons this season. He had 49 career receptions for 796 yards and five touchdowns.
We’ll try to sort all this out from Georgia’s end on Wednesday.
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356 comments Add your comment
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 17th, 2011
7:29 am
Agreed well handled Chip. One, if not the biggest concern I have is the coaching staff treating this situation in the same manor they handled AJ last year, meaning hold OC out of games until this is resolved.
ramblingbuzz
August 17th, 2011
7:35 am
Whatever you do doggies, don’t let your AD tell Richt about the investigation when the NCAA comes sniffing around.
Joe
August 17th, 2011
7:37 am
Then WHY bring it up? It’s morons like you that get all the crap started…..
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 17th, 2011
7:37 am
Charles may be just an “innocent bystander” but this is just another distraction to a football team that lacks focus.
dixie hit the highway you turd
August 17th, 2011
7:37 am
thanks, Chip, what a story……..
Jimmy Crack
August 17th, 2011
7:39 am
What else did this “wronged” jail bird say?
Please carve it all in stone for easy reference. After all, why SHOULDN’T we all believe this convicted felon? I can’t think of a reason….
BankerDawg
August 17th, 2011
7:46 am
Crack,
Read the Yahoo article….over two dozen witnesses, financials, bank statements, photos, etc….
I don’t believe anything bad will happen relative to OC, but it appears that Shapiro is being truthful, and has plenty of evidence to back it up.
The “U” is going to crash hard on this one.
RedandBlackDAWG
August 17th, 2011
7:49 am
I don’t think that any article alleges any particular amount of money that Charles was supposed to have received as a 17 year old kid, taken by his assistant coach to see a booster. I think the asst. coach is the one that has to worry about this. I don’t think Charles would accept money or gratuities from a Miami booster, and then suddenly change to UGA. He must have had UGA on his mind already, and there is nothing to suggest that UGA offered him any inducement that is considered illegal.
Anybody suggesting that UGA somehow offered Charles more money to come to UGA, or any renumeration at all, is the rumor starter, not the AJC.
Right now, you have the word of a bitter crook, sitting in jail and yes, he may have given some money to Miami players, but there is nothing in the Yahoo article that suggest that they have any such records for Charles.
GO DAWGS
Thomas Brown
August 17th, 2011
7:50 am
Blame AJ-C in general, for their lack of discussion of Georgia tek on NCAA PROBATION back-to-back in football, and the AJ-C cover-up of it from the beginning to this day, today – while, they continue to write minute write-ups saying they will get back to us by today about a non-story that might be bad for UGA. And, you defend the AJ-C. What does that tell you ?
ramblingbuzz
August 17th, 2011
7:54 am
@T. Brown – Yeah it’s an AJC conspiracy against Ugag. I’m sure the AJC is still covering up JFK’s real killer. LOL.
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 17th, 2011
7:54 am
The more time that Richt & Co. have to spend dealing with potential NCAA infractions, the less time they have to prepare for Boise and SC.
jim
August 17th, 2011
7:59 am
I’m a Dawg through and through, but some of you need to grow some thicker skin and realize that you are reading a NEWS publication. All of you who think the AJC has some of agenda against UGA need to take off the red & black-colored glasses. The sports page crawls with UGA fans, so they are going to write about anything UGA-related (good and bad) that they can. It drives traffic, comments, etc. Quit whining. Chip doesn’t say OC did anything wrong, but that his name came up in a HUGE Yahoo story.
Chip Towers
August 17th, 2011
8:02 am
Greg McGarity said he’s “looking into it.”
ramblingbuzz
August 17th, 2011
8:06 am
Yeah, so is the NCAA.
Concern
August 17th, 2011
8:09 am
Looks like Alabama may have some concerns since coaches are implicated.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 17th, 2011
8:13 am
From “The U” to “The Who”…
AltamahaDawg
August 17th, 2011
8:18 am
The thing I would critisize about this report is that its pretty laking of some details the other sources have clarified. This may be in the links and certainly anyone can look it up, but this fails to mention that this was way back in Charles’ Junior year and his high school coach was with him.
AltamahaDawg
August 17th, 2011
8:23 am
I give up BuLLdawg, what DOES that tell you?
JAWJeRDAWG
August 17th, 2011
8:27 am
As the AJC’s UGA beat writer, Chip is doing just that; communicating the fact that a current UGA player’s name has come up in an article from another source (Yahoo) that mentions his name in their investigation of a Miami booster and his involvement in recruiting for that university where in that booster’s actions, NCAA regulations were broken.
No more, no less. The investigation will unfold. It’s unfortunate that Orson Charles is a part of that investigation and that UGA must wait on the NCAA’s clearinghouse for Orson’s apparent innocence in signing and playing at UGA.
An unfortunate incidence and distraction for OC and UGA. No more, no less. Hopefully, this will be resolved soon. .. Go Dawgs!
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 17th, 2011
8:29 am
The thing I would critisize about this report is that its pretty laking of some details the other sources have clarified.
——————————————–
Doesn’t matter.
Charles may be innocent.
Still a distraction.
Fred
August 17th, 2011
8:31 am
Gimme a break! It seems everyone is guilty until proven innocent these days….This should not be reported until any evidence comes out – IF THERE IS EVEN ANY EVIDENCE AT ALL! GOOD GRIEF!
Coach Hewitt...
August 17th, 2011
8:34 am
The only thing mentioned was “impermissible contact” by the UM booster.
Basically, this would be the same thing if Nick Saban had impermissible contact with Isaiah Crowell. This might affect his eligibility at Alabama, but not at Georgia. Especially since he didn’t receive any benefit.
DougsMugs
August 17th, 2011
8:35 am
@Dixie Highway, this is Miami, you knucklehead.
AltamahaDawg
August 17th, 2011
8:40 am
Yes, we saw that The First time, 30 minutes ago. SC fan is concerned about our team’s focus. Got it.
And why would you copy that statement then make absolutely no connection with your point? Could you just not figure out how to tie in saying “Alshon” yet today, so you just picked something at random?
That is some serious just wanting to say something on a Georgia Blog you got going on this morning.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 17th, 2011
8:41 am
Dont get him started on Alshcuks this early…
SEC Football News APP
August 17th, 2011
8:42 am
Orson Charles is fine. This is completely a “media driven” story that keeps the conspiracy folks entertained that all college football is back room deals and money laundering.
When all the dust settles, Shapiro is still in jail for cheating and lying, and everybody whoever met with him gets their name tarnished.
Cam Newton
August 17th, 2011
8:44 am
Just tell the NCAA you thought it was a family vacation in Miami because your Dad doesn’t tell you everything.
AltamahaDawg
August 17th, 2011
8:45 am
I think he just like how the boy’s name looks when he types it. Ohhhh Alshon. Nothing could be finer than my Alshon.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 17th, 2011
8:48 am
The NCAA has been working on this for 5 months. Certainly then the University would have been informed of Charles’s implication in this.
BG
August 17th, 2011
8:48 am
Chip, Why would you even write this story? Charles did nothing wrong!!
JDawg
August 17th, 2011
8:48 am
“Implicated”? Implicated in what? How? If you say Orson is “implicated” you are suggesting that he did something wrong. What? Previously you say he appeared to be just a “bystander”. Is being a “bystander” something you can be “implicated” of?
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 17th, 2011
8:48 am
It will be interesting to see how Richt addresses this situation.
He might be able to clarify the lack of information that Yahoo posted.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 17th, 2011
8:48 am
Using the word implication very lightly here.
MsBulldawg84
August 17th, 2011
8:49 am
That retainer paid to UGA’s new attorney will be paying off…..should be resolved in short order.
Johnson, The Tech one, not yours
August 17th, 2011
8:50 am
Cash, yacht’s,women…….. And all I have for these boys is a Fish Fry and hush puppies. No wonder Miami cleaned our clock last year.
UGAX
August 17th, 2011
8:50 am
Nothing here but remember AJ sat our last year for selling a stupid jersey. Let’s hope Orson doesn’t sit 4 games while the NCAA looks into this. This does, however, explain why Robert Marve flipped on his commitment to Alabama and went to Miami instead.
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
8:51 am
Last time I checked, it wasn’t a violation to go to someone’s house and look at stuff.
If OC didn’t accept any money, he is scott free and will be playing against Boise
BTW, great article in the Macon Telegraph about Cornelius Washington
DoubleDownDawgFan
August 17th, 2011
8:52 am
Orson Charles is a scandalous cheat! Get him off the team before he corrupts the others!!
Johnson, The Tech one, not yours
August 17th, 2011
8:54 am
I tried to get Groh to get the short bus and take some of the boys to Cheeta. They ended up at the Picadilly on Piedmont.
Matt
August 17th, 2011
8:55 am
I have no problem with Chip reporting this. From what was mentioned, Orson Charles is guilty of being recruited. Since he didn’t actually go to Miami and that he doesn’t appear to have received anything from this scum bag (at least according to the evidence we just read) he’s fine. No reason not to report the story. This story is huge. Miami is going to get the Death Penalty.
Johnson, The Tech one, not yours
August 17th, 2011
8:57 am
We had this big ole boy from Dalton in and he said no because he couldn’t see any water towers here, and that made him homesick.
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
8:58 am
One of the coaches mentioned is now charlie Strong’s chief recruiter at Loserville.
Big Blue Nation is rejoicing up here
ramblingbuzz
August 17th, 2011
8:58 am
You doggies better hope OC didn’t take any free clothing from this sleazebag or it could be probation time.
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 17th, 2011
8:58 am
And Georgia thought they got rid of all the negative “bad apples” from their team.
This tree keeps producing fruit.
Johnson, The Tech one, not yours
August 17th, 2011
8:59 am
We got four years for me just being an A$$…………But hey, that’s just me….pass the tarter sauce.
TampaDAWG
August 17th, 2011
9:01 am
Laughter is heard all the way to The Dome is a complete moron! Just because he came to UGA doesn’t mean UGA gave him anything. If thats your argument then you are basically stating that all kids that come to UGA are dirty. Not cool you idiot! Doesn’t even let UGA fans know who his team is. Must be some one UGA destroys considering all his hatred for the program. Can’t be upset with Chip reporting this. The entire story is a very big deal and if Orson Charles name is mentioned (even if it wasn’t reported that he accepted anything) then it has to be reported.
Johnson, The Tech one, not yours
August 17th, 2011
9:02 am
Good news here. The local Pawn shop has told me our ACC Championship rings have doubled in Value since it never really happened now. The boys are tickled.
boots
August 17th, 2011
9:02 am
Come on, AJC. Charles crosses paths with this scum bag (thanks to Miami) during a single recruiting visit years ago, and it makes the front page on your website? Don’t you see why we think the AJC is just tripping over itself to hype any possible problem with the Dawgs, no matter how small? As for you, Dixie Highway, you are an idiot. Richt and UGA are so above board it is almost a model program for compliance, while other schools around it (Auburn, Tech, Miami, Tennessee, South Carolina) are all on probation or on the verge of it. Get real.
ramblingbuzz
August 17th, 2011
9:03 am
Hey Johnson, just punch em in the face. Where is the Cheeta anyway?
Johnson, The Tech one, not yours
August 17th, 2011
9:05 am
About a mile from the Picadilly. It’s really a little farther, because Groh doesn’t like to get on the Interstate.