No. 17 Mississippi sits Tunsil because of NCAA probe

Published Sep. 5, 2015 11:34 a.m. ET

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OXFORD, Miss. (AP) Mississippi says starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil will not play in Saturday's game against UT Martin because of an ongoing investigation by the NCAA.

Ole Miss said during the summer it was working with the NCAA regarding potential violations after Tunsil's stepfather made allegations that the offensive lineman had improper contact with agents and received improper benefits.

Ole Miss sent a release on Saturday morning saying that sitting Tunsil is a ''precautionary measure,'' and the school is ''cooperating fully with the NCAA and feel this is the best way to protect Laremy, our football program and the university.''

Tunsil is considered one of the most important players for No. 17 Ole Miss this season. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound junior has started at left tackle since his freshman season.