Former Mississippi State Booster Embroiled in Potential Recruiting Scandal

Former Mississippi State booster Robert Denton Herring allegedly paid defensive back Will Redmond and his former coach in order to recruit him to the SEC school. 

Yahoo Sports’ Pat Forde writes the following: 

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In an interview with Y! Sports, Nashville-based seven-on-seven coach Byron De'Vinner—recipient of the lodging and meals—explained in detail how former Mississippi State booster Robert Denton Herring broke multiple NCAA rules in 2011 and '12 in an effort to land Memphis East High School defensive back Will Redmond. 

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The report also notes that the school has already taken action against Herring. Forde reports, "In July the school sent Herring, who lives in Roswell, Ga., a letter informing him that he had been disassociated from the athletic program for 'impermissible contact' with a recruit." 

Redmond is a 5’11”, 175-pound freshman for the Bulldogs. Rivals.com rated him as a 4-star recruit and the 21^st-best prospect in the nation at his position.

This news comes less than a month after assistant coach Angelo Mirando resigned for "unforeseen personal issues,” according to SportsIllustrated.com. However, Forde implicates Mirando in the recruiting violations. 

The report does not implicate other coaches, but does quote De’Vinner saying that Redmond is not the only player who received benefits. Per Forde’s article, he said, “I don't think there were no other coaches in the know, but Denton was dealing with a lot of players over there. Will was the one caught up, but he was dealing with a lot of players."

Forde’s article notes that the NCAA and Mississippi State have been investigating these claims over the past several months, and all of De’Vinner’s information has been shared with both parties.

Redmond has not seen the field this season for the Bulldogs, who are 2-0 after wins against Jackson State and Auburn. The school will take on Troy this Saturday.