Sherrill Investigated for Hush Money Claims

Texas A&M; is continuing an investigation into a former player’s charges--later recanted--that Coach Jackie Sherrill sent him money to keep quiet about National Collegiate Athletic Assn. rules violations, but Sherrill is expected to coach in the season finale, a school spokesman said Sunday night.

Because of the controversy arising from a copyright story Friday in The Dallas Morning News, Sherrill turned coaching duties over to defensive coordinator R.C. Slocum for the Aggies’ game against Texas Christian Saturday.

Sherrill watched on television as A&M; beat Texas Christian, 18-0, but Texas A&M; information director Lane Stephenson said Sunday that he understands Sherrill will return for this week’s practices and for the school’s Thursday night game in Austin against Texas.

“From the answers he gave reporters who interviewed him, it is my understanding that he is back in his office, he is going to conduct his weekly press conference as usual, and he will be on the sidelines with the team” on Thursday, Stephenson said.

Texas A&M;’s regents met Sunday, but the session was scheduled months ago and the new allegations were not discussed, Stephenson said.

“Not as a formal item or anything,” Stephenson said.

At a news conference Saturday night, former Texas A&M; running back George Smith insisted he was lying when he told a Dallas Morning News reporter about violations of NCAA rules involving Sherrill.

He fabricated the tales because he thought it would help sell a proposed book the reporter planned to write, Smith said.

Robert Smith, Texas A&M;’s vice president for finance and operations, in charge of NCAA rules compliance, will “head the investigation, or inquiry you might call it,” Stephenson said.

“The allegations surfaced only on Friday, and (George Smith) came here yesterday (Saturday) and gave a sworn statement, so that was a step in the investigation process. They will continue to talk to various parties involved, including personnel in the athletic department.