Yeoman Admits Giving Cash to Players

Former University of Houston football coach Bill Yeoman has admitted he occasionally gave his players cash, but in amounts never more than $35.

The admission came in a memo taken during a university in-house investigation, being handled by a Houston law firm, into allegations that Yeoman and his assistant coaches had paid players, in violation of NCAA rules.

In the memo, taken last July 10, Yeoman defended his actions on grounds the money was in small amounts and generally given for humanitarian purposes. The memo quoted Yeoman as saying he gave money to players for gasoline, utilities or rent for players’ parents.

The former coach told the investigators some of the money came from his own pocket and occasionally he called on alumni to contribute money. Yeoman, who coached the Cougars for 25 seasons, resigned at the end of last season and was replaced by Jack Pardee.

“I have no comment now, tomorrow, next week or next month,” Yeoman said. Attorneys for the school would not comment, either, pending completion of the NCAA investigation.