The owner of a Web site featuring gay pornography says the University of Nebraska athletic department has contacted him in an investigation into Internet photographs that allegedly show two Cornhusker wrestle
From staff and wire reports | Posted: Sunday, August 10, 2008 7:00 pm
The owner of a Web site featuring gay pornography said Monday that he’s been contacted by Nebraska athletic department officials investigating photographs that allegedly show two wrestlers naked or partially clothed.
John Marsh of Los Angeles said that he had spoken to Nebraska wrestling coach Mark Manning and Josh White, assistant athletic director in charge of compliance.
The pictures appear to show, separately, wrestlers Paul Donahoe and Kenny Jordan, but Marsh wouldn’t confirm their identity, citing his policy to protect models.
“We’re working with the school in terms of maintaining the guys’ eligibility in the NCAA,” Marsh said.
On Saturday, Manning confirmed to the Journal Star that an investigation was under way. “Until we find out further information, we’re not going to make a statement in regards to Paul and Kenny being in our program,” he said.
NCAA athletes aren’t allowed to use pictures of themselves for commercial purposes.
The athletic department’s code of conduct lists as its first rule: “Always present a positive image, don’t do anything to embarrass yourself, the team, your family or the university.”
Donahoe, a senior from Davison, Mich., won the Big 12 title at 125 pounds in 2008 and placed third in the NCAA Tournament. He won a national title in 2007.
Jordan, a junior from Frankfort, Ill., was fourth in the Big 12 this past season.
Marsh declined to comment on how his Web site came into contact with the wrestlers or whether they were paid.
He said it would be a shame if their appearances on his site rendered them ineligible.
“We are interested in cooperating with the university and NCAA in whatever way we can,” he said.
Stacey Osburn, NCAA associate director of public and media relations, said she couldn’t comment specifically on the situation.
She said an NCAA rule addresses student-athletes whose images are used commercially: A student-athlete is ineligible for participation if the individual accepts any remuneration for or permits the use of his or her name or picture to advertise, recommend or promote directly the sale or use of a commercial product or service of any kind; or the individual receives remuneration for endorsing a commercial product or service through the individual’s use of such product or service.
A membership to Marsh’s Web site costs $24.95 per month.