Seymore Shaw. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World file
Former Oklahoma State running back Seymore Shaw, whose name was mentioned a dozen times in a Sports Illustrated article published Tuesday, sent a statement to the Tulsa World on Wednesday.
“I agreed to talk with (reporter) Thayer Evans with the presumption that we would be talking about something completely different. I became uncomfortable with where the conversation was going and later retracted all statements," Shaw said.
“I very clearly let him know I did not want to be a part of his story and that he did not have my permission to use any part of our conversation or my name. At no point in time was I paid or looking to ‘out’ OSU, players, coaches, or anyone associated with the school. I can't say a lot at this time, but please know there are untruths being written and the truth will eventually come out.”
Here are the allegations that were attributed to Shaw, who attended OSU in 2002-04 before being suspended and transferring:
* Teammate Tatum Bell bragged about earning bonus money.
* Teammate Bobby Reid was paid.
* Shaw received $400-$500 from a booster after committing to the Cowboys.
* He was given $100 four or five times by former assistant Larry Porter.
* Shaw told head coach Les Miles he needed a car and was introduced to Kay Norris, who worked in the athletic department.
* Whenever Shaw needed money, he called Norris and she would overpay him for small chores.
* Area FCA director John Talley set up speaking gigs for players.
* Shaw went with a teammate to assistant coach Joe DeForest’s home and witnessed him give the teammate money for work he didn’t do.
The rest of Shaw’s statement read: “I love Oklahoma State University. Playing collegiate football and earning a degree from OSU was the opportunity of a lifetime. I have no complaints about the football program or the school.
“I would like to apologize to Oklahoma State University and its fans for being a part of this article. I am ashamed and embarrassed that my name is being associated with the school in this way. These are not my true feelings of the university or the football program, but in my opinion, those of a reporter so desperately looking for anything to support his agenda. I am deeply saddened that my close friends and people I consider to be like family were targeted in this article. I am hoping to rebuild trust and friendships with those who were truly hurt.”
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