North Carolina's Marvin Austin could be suspended by the NCAA. Getty Images
An NCAA investigation in to University of North Carolina defensive end Marvin Austin may result in a suspension for the senior that could leave a big hole to fill for the Tar Heels in 2010. Aaron Wilson of National Football Post says that sources close to the situation are increasing in concern about Austin's status for the upcoming football season.
“The next time we will see Marvin Austin is at the NFL scouting combine,” our source said to Wilson. The loss of Austin for North Carolina would be a huge blow for the defensive unit. Austin is considered one of the top defensive players on the Tar Heel squad, and given the relatively short notice it may be difficult to fill Austin's shoes for the 2010 season if he is to be suspended.
The NCAA opened an investigation in to Austin and North Carolina wide receiver Greg Little, safety Deunta Williams, cornerback Kendric Burney and linebackers Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant. The focus of the investigation is regarding contact with agents, which is prohibited by the NCAA. The investigation has even expanded to include a South Carolina player, tight end Weslye Saunders.
As the news of the investigation leaks out, National Football Post has been told that Austin and Saunders, good friends, have been comparing notes on agents and are in search of the best possible deal. Both players are considered NFL Draft prospects.
The NCAA investigation is still on-going and no actions have been taken. The NCAA wants to know who paid for travel and lodging for multiple trips to Miami. These trips were first mentioned on Austin’s Twitter account, which has since been removed. In addition to trips to Miami the NCAA is curious about Austin's travels back and forth to his hometown of Washington D.C.
In addition to travel expenses Austin is also being investigated for driving a car that belongs to Kentwan Balmer, a former North Carolina player who was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2008.
If Austin is found guilty of lying to the NCAA during their investigation he could have his eligibility taken away, which would force him to miss his entire senior season.
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