Huskies Investigate Loan of Car to Bryant

A car loaned to Washington tailback Beno Bryant was registered at the address of a Los Angeles sports agent, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported Friday.

Bryant received a loan of a late-model Ford Mustang last spring from a childhood friend, Chris Mims, who plays for the San Diego Chargers. But the car is registered at the home of sports agent Harold (Doc) Daniels, Mims’ agent.

Mims loaned the car to Bryant after Bryant’s vehicle broke down last spring, Bryant said. The Washington player said he was unaware of any connection between the car and Daniels. Bryant said he has returned the car to Mims.

Daniels said he knew Mims had given Bryant a car, but said he had nothing to do with the transaction. There is no evidence Daniels paid for the car. But a possible link between an agent and Bryant has been investigated by university officials. NCAA rules forbid college athletes from accepting gifts, loans or favors from agents.

The Pacific 10 Conference and the university already are investigating $50,000 in loans obtained by Husky quarterback Billy Joe Hobert, as well as allegations that boosters provided extra benefits to players.

Daniels said the Mustang was registered at his address before Mims found a home in an area where he felt comfortable registering his vehicles. Bryant said Washington Coach Don James asked him about the car about two weeks ago. “. . . Coach James said if you got that car from an agent, you’re ineligible,” Bryant said.

Said Dick Baird, Husky recruiting coordinator: “I didn’t think it that unusual for a guy (Mims) making a lot of money (to take) care of a buddy of his in the neighborhood.”