Ramsey Gets Diploma, Abuse

Auburn students and supporters screamed “Go to hell!” and booed as former football player Eric Ramsey received his diploma on Wednesday, only three weeks after his claims of cheating led to Coach Pat Dye’s resignation.

Eaves Memorial Coliseum erupted in taunts and jeers as Ramsey’s name was announced. Another chorus of boos went up when his wife, Twilitta, was awarded her degree. The couple hugged on stage, and Ramsey waved.

“Go to hell, Ramsey, go to hell!” some chanted.

“Get him out of here!” one person yelled.

Twilitta Ramsey, walking out of the arena arm-in-arm with her husband, made an obscene hand gesture to the crowd in response.

Plainclothes police escorted the Ramseys out of the coliseum immediately after they left the stage. The two were taken away in an unmarked police car, just as they had arrived.

Calm returned quickly to the ceremony, in which some 1,100 graduates were awarded their diplomas.

University Police Chief Jack Walton had extra security in place because of Ramsey’s attendance. Also, in a departure from most commencements, the university blocked off reserved seating for reporters.

Ramsey earned his degree in criminal justice. His wife majored in communications.

Before commencement, Ramsey attended a luncheon and reception where he shook hands with university President William Muse.

Ramsey went public in 1991 with allegations that he got cash and other gifts while playing football at Auburn. Ramsey and his attorney, Donald Watkins, released secretly recorded tapes of conversations with coaches and boosters to substantiate the charges. On the tapes, Ramsey repeatedly asks for financial assistance, and those he talks with appear to agree to help him.