Maurkice Pouncey denies he was paid $100K

Former Florida Gators center Maurkice Pouncey has denied allegations that he took $100,000 from a runner for an agent between the 2009 Southeastern Conference Championship and 2010 Sugar Bowl in a statement sent to The Gainesville Sun.

“I did not accept $100,000, it is an absolutely ridiculous claim. I have completely cooperated with the investigation and answered any and all questions put to me.”

Pouncey, who is still being investigated by the NCAA and University of Florida for a potential rules violation, has “provided phone, bank and credit card statements that do not show large payments,” ESPN‘s Joe Schad previously reported.

The No. 18 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was allegedly paid by a Lakeland-based go-between. A letter sent to tip-off UF about the supposed incident was postmarked in Canada and apparently “contained photographic evidence of an alleged runner for an agent in social situations,” according to Schad.

Pouncey did tell investigators that a Cadillac Escalade and pieces of jewelry he owns were purchased after the draft with a deferred line of credit. These possessions were shared with his brother, senior center Mike Pouncey, on occasion.

“We were made aware of some information in early June that we reported to law enforcement and we then shared with the NCAA and the SEC,” Gators athletic director Jeremy Foley said in a statement Monday morning. “At this time we have no information that has indicated that there are any compliance issues for the University of Florida.”

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