Agent Says He Paid Auburn’s Fullwood, Others

Norby Walters, a New York-based agent, told the Atlanta Constitution Thursday that he had made cash payments to several players, including Auburn running back Brent Fullwood, a senior last season, and two prominent juniors, Ohio State receiver Cris Carter and Michigan State halfback Lorenzo White.

Walters also has come under the scrutiny of the National Football League Players Assn., which says two seniors called the union to report that Walters had threatened to “break their legs” for firing him.

Walters denied the charge but did not deny making payments. Players receiving payments from so-called agents before their eligibility runs out are subject to loss of eligibility, according to NCAA rules.

“Part of being a businessman is making investments,” he said. “If I were going to invest $500,000 in a McDonald’s franchise in downtown Atlanta, would anybody question my investment?”

Other players who have been associated with Walters include defensive end Reggie Rogers of Washington, cornerback Ron Woodson of Purdue and offensive tackle John Clay of Missouri, all projected as No. 1 picks in this spring’s NFL draft.

Also named were Tommy Powell of Auburn, Kenny Flowers and Terrence Flagler of Clemson, Tony Woods of Pitt, Garland Rivers of Michigan, Mark Ingram of Michigan State, Doug Dubose of Nebraska, Edwin Simmons of Texas and running back Ronnie Harmon, formerly of Iowa, now with Buffalo of the NFL.