Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

10/19/2010 at 1:22pm

Perhaps you’ve heard about Gary Wichard, the agent under investigation for improper conduct? Much of the investigation centers on former North Carolina assistant John Blake, who is alleged to have acted as a runner for Wichard while an assistant coach.

It’s an interesting national story for college and pro football fans to keep an eye on. And, it turns out Wichard and Blake shouldn't be unfamiliar to folks in the state of Arkansas. These links go beyond the fact that Tar Heels head coach Butch Davis is from Springdale.

Yahoo! Sports investigative reporter Charles Robinson mentions the relationship between Wichard and Blake dates back to the 1980s during Blake's time at Oklahoma. Several OU players signed with Wichard, including former Sooners tight end Keith Jackson.

Yes, Little Rock native Keith Jackson, who is the color analyst for University of Arkansas football broadcasts. Jackson, according to the Yahoo! Sports article is among the former Sooners that have signed an affidavit saying they never felt “forced” toward Wichard by Blake.

Jackson’s name comes up in the article as part of a quote from former Sooner linebacker Brian Bosworth. Bosworth is suing Wichard for “malfeasance.” He alleges that Blake was a “conduit” between Oklahoma players and Wichard.

Here’s more, including the quote from Bosworth that piqued our interest:

“You have to understand, John was the eyes inside the locker room. He was the fisherman and Gary was the cook. You’ve got to have somebody out there who is going to get the bounty, and Gary’s the one who then goes and sells the bounty. I don’t understand why they would be trying to skirt the truth on that. That is what it was. It was so blatant. … And I know I wasn’t the only player who saw it.

“As time went on, as I realized Gary got Keith [Jackson] out of Oklahoma, then he got Cedric [Jones], and it was like, ‘OK, something’s going on.’ Then Gary got Stephen [Alexander] and then he’s got Aubrey Beavers. I was thinking, ‘OK, there’s a gravy train here, and I hope John isn’t involved in it.’"

Jackson, Jones and Beavers couldn’t be reached for comment. However, Alexander said it was Blake who set up his initial meeting with Wichard. But Alexander also said he recently signed an affidavit for Blake’s attorneys saying he never felt “forced” toward Wichard. Three other players have also signed similar affidavits – Jackson, former North Carolina defensive end Kentwan Balmer, and former Nebraska running back Brandon Jackson.

“That’s true. [Blake] didn’t force me,” Alexander said. “He introduced me.”

This likely isn't the first introduction to Blake for Arkansas Razorback fans. Blake was mentioned in Arkansas Democrat-Gazette articles in conjunction with several coaching vacancies on the UA staff, including 2001 and 2007.

Jackson, according to a Feb. 15, 2001 article in the Democrat-Gazette, once called former Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt to recommend Blake for a position on the Razorbacks staff. Blake also was mentioned in a Dec. 5, 2007 column by D-G sports editor Wally Hall as someone Houston Nutt should consider hiring for an opening.

Whew. Good thing that didn't work out, huh?

Another Arkansas tie to Wichard is former Razorback defensive end Jamaal Anderson, a Little Rock native. Anderson is listed among the clients for Wichard’s Pro Tect Management.

What does all this mean?

Likely not much for Jackson and Anderson, but their involvement with Wichard — even without being directly involved in wrongdoing — further solidifies this is a story college football fans in Arkansas should be paying attention to.

Tagged: North Carolina Tar Heels, NCAA, NFL, Arkansas Razorbacks, Jamaal Anderson, Butch Davis, Brian Bosworth, Wally Hall, John Blake, Gary Wicahrd, Keith Jackson