Auburn Allegations Could Affect Iron Bowl Focus

Wednesday afternoon a story broke that shook the state of Alabama as Yahoo! Sports Pat Forde reported that the NCAA was investigating the Auburn Tigers, news that comes just days away from the 77^th meeting of the Alabama Crimson Tide and Tigers in the Iron Bowl.

In the initial report Forde wrote “NCAA investigators have spent weeks looking into potential improprieties involving Auburn recruits, players, coaches, representatives of the school's athletic interests and third parties.” Forde also noted that a pair of Auburn assistants, Trooper Taylor and Curtis Luper are the ones drawing the most NCAA attention and have been pulled off the road from recruiting.

Joey Lucci from Phil Steele publications joined The Game with Ryan Fowler and Mick Gillispie Wednesday evening and said while he is not surprised, he is going to take a wait and see approach.

Upon the release of the report, the two biggest questions are the impacts the investigation on Auburn head coach Gene Chizik’s future on the Plains, and how much of a distraction it will be for the Tigers days before their biggest game of the season.

At 3-8 on the season and winless in the SEC, Chizik’s future has been in question for weeks. However, the impact the investigation could have on his tenure in Auburn at this point is uncertain.

In looking toward the game, Lindy’s Magazine college football writer Brent Beaird also joined The Game and said he feels like the latest allegations will have no impact on Saturday’s game.