National Football League

Rutgers coach: Didn't know of investigation when contacted

Published Aug. 26, 2015 2:56 p.m. ET

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PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) Rutgers coach Kyle Flood says that when he was contacted by university officials about communicating with a faculty member regarding the academic status of a player, he didn't know he was being investigated for possibly violating school or NCAA rules.

Flood reversed course Wednesday after being asked a day earlier about whether university officials had contacted him about their investigation. He said Wednesday that he didn't previously know what the contact was for, but now does.

The university says its office of ethics raised the issue about one week ago and initiated an investigation. The school's office of general counsel is investigating the severity of the alleged violation.

Flood could be in violation of NCAA rules regarding extra benefits and also university rules by communicating with faculty member about a players' course work. If Flood was found to have violated rules regarding extra benefits he could face a possible NCAA suspension or dismissal by Rutgers.