Arian Foster says UT boosters gave him '40, 50 grand,' then backtracks

Published Jan. 30, 2015 3:58 p.m. ET

Jimmy Traina

Foster has been open in the past about taking money during his time in college, but during a radio interview with ESPN's Dan LeBatard, Foster explained how things went down for him between 2005-08 while Philip Fulmer was head coach.

"You have people help you out here and there," Foster said. "Boosters and alumni and ex-players, they all know how it is, man. It's hard living check to check when you don't have enough money to go out to the movies or any kind of leisure activity. And you're not allowed to get a job. Especially when I was in college, they were a lot more stringent on those rules, so at any given chance I got the opportunity, I took a free handout. Absolutely."

This caused Vols fans to quickly lash out at Foster, who took to Twitter to explain and defend himself over the course of several tweets.

“@CaptainHulk3: That's not a joke or funny! I'm sure Coach Fulmer appreciates it!” Fulmer sittin in a million $ home cuz people like me.
— Feeno (@ArianFoster) January 30, 2015

“@OlegZeltser: @ArianFoster I am sure the IRS would like it share of your earnings from UT” Cash isn't traceable. ✌️
— Feeno (@ArianFoster) January 30, 2015

“@ballavol: @ArianFoster my UT degree cost me $50 G's. How much did yours cost?” Couple of knees and a shoulder.
— Feeno (@ArianFoster) January 30, 2015

“@TrendsKnoxvl: Feeno, @arianfoster is now trending in #Knoxville http://t.co/6trouHrlsV” Hahahahahahahahahaha
— Feeno (@ArianFoster) January 30, 2015

“@TennesseePayton: @ArianFoster much love from Knoxville fam sorry about the bad side of the fan base” There's no bad blood. All love!
— Feeno (@ArianFoster) January 30, 2015