Sherrill to Sit Out Game With TCU

Jackie Sherrill, football coach of Texas A&M;, said Friday that he will not coach today against Texas Christian in order to relieve pressure on his team in the wake of allegations that he paid “hush money” to a former player.

Former Aggie fullback George Smith told the Dallas Morning News that Sherrill gave him $4,400 in a series of payments dating to November 1986.

Sherrill, also the school’s athletic director, refused to comment on Smith’s allegations. Spokesman Lane Stephenson said the school has launched its own investigation.

Citing numerous distractions as a result of the allegations, Sherrill said he is appointing defensive coordinator R.C. Slocum to direct the team against TCU.

“Hopefully, early next week, this situation will be clearer and the issue will be settled,” Sherrill said. “I will be here next week preparing our team for the Texas game.”