STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) -- Mississippi State has disassociated from an athletics booster because of "impermissible contact" with a prospective student-athlete.
The booster's name was redacted from documents provided to The Associated Press after a Freedom of Information Act request. Mississippi State announced last week that it is cooperating with the NCAA because of a "potential recruiting irregularity."
The letter to the disassociated booster is dated July 13. The university says the NCAA's investigation has lasted several months and is close to a conclusion.
Mississippi State says in the documents that it has asked the disassociated booster to interview with the NCAA, but the booster has declined. It also says that "other violations of NCAA rules also may have occurred."
The disassociation letter says the booster is not allowed to participate in any organization that is recognized by Mississippi State as a supporter of the athletics programs, make a financial gift to Mississippi State's athletics programs or receive any other privileges from the school's athletics program not given to the general public.
The disassociation letter is the latest look into a football program that is dealing with NCAA scrutiny as the Bulldogs' season opener against Jackson State approaches on Saturday.
Mississippi State receivers coach Angelo Mirando resigned on Aug. 19, citing "unforeseen personal issues." Head football coach Dan Mullen would not elaborate on the reasons for Mirando's departure.
ESPN.com reported last week that Mirando's resignation was related to the recruitment of a player on the current roster, and that freshman defensive back Will Redmond was the subject of an NCAA interview with Redmond's high school coach, without explicitly connecting the two issues.
Mullen said last week that Redmond is still practicing with the team.
The NCAA has declined comment, except to confirm that it is cooperating with Mississippi State.
