An internal investigation of possible NCAA infractions involving Tiger basketball players and their use of two luxury vehicles is apparently continuing, according to University of Memphis athletic officials.
The Daily Helmsman reported in April that luxury vehicles driven by two players, point guard Antonio Burks and power forward Chris Massie, were not registered in the players’ names.
Burk’s late model Cadillac DeVille was registered to PV Holding Company, the holding company of Avis Rent-A-Car, from which the car was rented.
Burks was apparently able to rent the car despite the fact that he was just 22 years of age and did not provide a credit card. An employee for Avis said the rental company requires all renters to be at least 25 and provide a major credit card upon renting a vehicle.
Burks could be dealt a suspension by the NCAA or The University if he is found to be in violation of the extra benefits rule, which states that a student-athlete can’t receive special gifts or favors that are generally not available to non-athletes.
“We’re looking into it. That is our statement,” said Lynn Parkes, associate athletic director and NCAA compliance officer at The U of M.
Parkes said the investigation of Burks’ use of the vehicle is not yet complete, but that a statement would be released if anything noteworthy was discovered.
Massie’s Cadillac Escalade was registered to Daryl Henry, who said he was Massie’s first cousin. Henry provided proof of registration and insurance to The U of M last fall.
Henry was questioned in October by Parkes about his association with Marvin Demoff, an NFL agent who worked with Henry for over a decade. However, Henry said his relationship with Demoff had nothing to do with Massie.
Henry, who listed the law offices of Mitchell, Silverberg & Knopff as his employer, said he no longer works with Demoff. However, an investigation conducted by a local television station found that Henry was never employed by Mitchell, Silverberg & Knopff.
Massie, who declared himself eligible for the NBA draft, did not hire an agent and therefore remains eligible to come back for his senior season.
Basketball media relations director Ron Mears said the investigation is ongoing, but that he was unaware of its current status.
“Coach Calipari is not talking about (the investigation) anymore. That’s old news. We made our statement.”
