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Gallion says NCAA `made up' car deal 02/17/04 DOUG SEGREST News staff writer The attorney representing two former University of Alabama assistant football coaches says he has a sworn statement from a Georgia car dealer that contradicts one of the violations cited by the NCAA against the football program. Tommy Gallion claims the car dealer's statement proves an NCAA finding of an improper benefit given to a former Alabama player, which contributed to sanctions imposed against the school in February 2002, was erroneous. "This deposition proves they made it up," Gallion said Monday. The NCAA said in its official letter of inquiry that then-Tide assistant Neal Callaway arranged to provide a car at no cost for linebacker Travis Carroll. The NCAA said Callaway, who was not charged in the NCAA's findings, contacted a Columbus, Ga., car dealer to arrange for Carroll to receive a 1994 Jeep Cherokee. James F. Johnson, the car dealer, testified that Callaway did contact him. But, Gallion said, Johnson was told specifically by Callaway "to do no favors" for the player. The NCAA said Carroll took possession of the automobile without making a down payment, providing a trade-in or finding someone to co-sign for the car loan. The NCAA also said Carroll didn't report any gross income on his credit application, which went unsigned. But Gallion said Johnson testified that Carroll received on-the- spot financing at a high interest rate for a banged-up SUV with more than 130,000 miles on it. The car, said Johnson, had little value. And when Carroll did not make payments, it was repossessed. Gallion claimed NCAA investigator Rich Johanningmeier "fabricated" the NCAA's allegation by changing pertinent information in his report. Furthermore, Gallion said Johanningmeier disputed Johnson's testimony without any further corroboration. Gallion said the NCAA did not interview any of six other employees at the dealership who dealt with Carroll on the day of his purchase. "Our deposition proves this never happened the way they said it did," Gallion said. "And this guy, Jim Johnson, is as truthful as he can be. This is proof they (the NCAA) manufactured everything (regarding this allegation)." Gallion represents former Tide assistant coaches Ronnie Cottrell and Ivy Williams in their defamation suit against the NCAA. In its response to the NCAA, the university also disputed the allegation that Callaway improperly arranged for the car for Carroll. The university cited a version of facts similar to those cited by Gallion. Callaway is now the offensive coordinator at the University of Georgia. Carroll eventually transferred to Florida. In another development, another attorney for Cottrell and Williams, Phillip Shanks of Memphis, has requested more information from the NCAA's Wally Renfro, who serves as a senior advisor to NCAA President Myles Brand. Shanks said Renfro recently made disparaging remarks against him and Gallion. In recent interviews with the media, Shanks said, Renfro demanded the attorneys apologize to the NCAA, Johanningmeier, the University of Tennessee and Tennessee foot ball coach Phillip Fulmer. Both Gallion and Shanks have alleged the NCAA, Tennessee and Fulmer conspired to damage the Alabama football program. "You have called us liars and cheats and were quoted in (an) article as saying that we used unsubstantiated allegations, half truths and whole lies to make our point," Shanks wrote in a letter to the NCAA. "On behalf of TeamCottrell, I formally demand you either reveal to us the unsubstantiated allegations, the half truths and whole lies or in the alternative that you apologize to us." ______________________________________________________ RollTideFan - The University of Alabama Athletics Discussion List "Welcome to RollTideFan! Wear a cup!" To join or leave the list or to make changes to your subscription visit http://listinfo.rolltidefan.net
