Nebraska says NCAA looking into program
LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska said Wednesday that the NCAA is looking into its football program amid allegations staff members improperly used analysts and consultants with the knowledge of coach Scott Frost and even moved workouts off campus last year when such activities were banned during the pandemic.
Athletic director Trev Alberts confirmed the investigation first reported by The Action Network, but Frost said any workouts were approved by his superiors.
‘‘Everything we did through COVID was in the best interest and health of our players in mind, and everything we did was approved by athletic department administration and campus administration,’’ Frost said after practice.
Citing unidentified sources, The Action Network report said Nebraska has ‘‘significant video footage’’ confirming practice violations occurred in the presence of Frost and other assistants.
Alberts said that the investigation started before his hiring was announced July 14 and that he found out about it after he started.
‘‘We thought it was important the two of us come out and validate what you all have read on the internet and the reports that are out there nationally,’’ Alberts said, referring to himself and Frost.
The NCAA has interviewed Frost, current and former staff members, administrators and football players, and Frost has hired an attorney. The alleged violations occurred in the last 12 months.
The report comes less than two weeks before the Cornhuskers open Frost’s fourth season with a game at Illinois. They have gone 12-20 in his first three seasons.
Frost and former athletic director Bill Moos had been vocal in wanting to play in 2020 after the Big Ten initially canceled its season. The Big Ten later reversed course and set up an eight-game conference-only schedule starting in late October.
Moos didn’t immediately respond to a text message from the Associated Press seeking comment.