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Sources: Auburn’s Varez Ward at center of federal point-shaving probe
Yahoo Sports ^ | 3-8-2012 | Charles Robinson

Posted on 03/08/2012 3:57:01 PM PST by Colonel Kangaroo

Suspended Auburn University point guard Varez Ward is under investigation by federal authorities in an ongoing point-shaving probe, Yahoo! Sports has learned.

Three sources with knowledge of the case said the FBI has been investigating Ward since late February after he and guard Chris Denson were suspended by the Tigers prior to a Feb. 25 home game against Arkansas. Two sources said Denson was also questioned as part of the point-shaving investigation, but he was cleared of any wrongdoing and returned to the team after sitting out the loss to the Razorbacks. The sources said additional players have been questioned in the case about whether Ward – who has not been with the team since being suspended – attempted to enlist them in a possible scheme. The sources said at least two games are under scrutiny: a 68-50 loss to Alabama on Feb. 7 and a 56-53 loss to Arkansas on Jan. 25

“Auburn officials were made aware of a rumor regarding an allegation two weeks ago and immediately reported it to the FBI, the NCAA and the SEC,” Auburn officials said in a statement...

(Excerpt) Read more at rivals.yahoo.com ...


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; US: Alabama
KEYWORDS: auburn; ncaa; sec
Sport, the wholesome builder of young America's character.
1 posted on 03/08/2012 3:57:08 PM PST by Colonel Kangaroo
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To: Apple Pan Dowdy; GizmosAndGadgets; NonValueAdded; del4hope; MamaB; LowOiL; Jemian; LBKQ; lysie; ...

Big sigh.

In other news from the Plains,

Mr. Penny is responding well in a Birmingham hospital. You may know that he suffered a gunshot wound to the head. He’s currently able to move his hands and feet and respond to others. At present, I understand, he is blind as a result of the wound, but there is still hope he may regain his eyesight as well.

And, the trees are showing signs of growth. It is too early to state whether they will make it, but new growth is spotted. Personally, I would like us to keep working with the oaks for as long as possible. Where there’s life, there is hope!

War Eagle!


2 posted on 03/08/2012 5:09:44 PM PST by Jemian
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To: Jemian

Thanks, Jenian. I don’t know who Mr. Penny is but am so glad the oaks have some new growth.

War Eagle!


3 posted on 03/08/2012 5:26:31 PM PST by jch10
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To: jch10

Jemian, sorry....didn’t have glasses on!!


4 posted on 03/08/2012 5:28:09 PM PST by jch10
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To: jch10

Mr. Penny is a local celebrity. He is often found at Auburn’s sports’ events and, of course, at Toomer’s Corner later. He is very optimistic, encouraging and friendly. When at the football games, he gets to sit in the student section and when we score he does 50 push-ups! He does those push-ups at age 57! When we went to Arizona last year, the community donated $9000 so he and his wife could have an all-expenses paid trip.

On Monday a week ago, he was discovered at home with a gunshot to the head. The docs at EAMC labored for hours on him and it was touch-and-go for a while. He is now stabilized and at UAB receiving more specialized care.

This has shaken and shocked our town.


5 posted on 03/08/2012 5:36:46 PM PST by Jemian
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To: Jemian

Oh, I do know who he is! So sorry to hear this dreadful news. Prayers for him and his recovery.


6 posted on 03/08/2012 6:36:40 PM PST by jch10
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To: Jemian

Oh Dear Lord about Mr Penny, he’s in our prayers. Any idea how it happened yet?

Glad to hear about the trees. Spring Break this weekend I’ll debrief Clint Jr...


7 posted on 03/08/2012 8:10:45 PM PST by Clint N. Suhks
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To: Clint N. Suhks

Yes, apparently he tried to commit suicide.

Why? No one knows.

Were there any signs (and why didn’t we see them)? I didn’t interact with him, but he was a school crossing guard and many, many people interacted with him and no one saw this coming. My daughter had spoken with him just a few days earlier. She sometimes rides her bike to campus and she transverses the corner where he is a guard. He commented about not seeing her much but now it was warmer he was glad to see her again. HE REMEMBERED PERSONAL STUFF ABOUT EACH PERSON. My daughter isn’t all that different from others who cross at that intersection. He just is a very personable man.

As many others react and respond to this, I find myself asking, how many others among us put on a mask and keep separate the silent despair in which we’re living? I pray the Holy Spirit will make me sensitive to the real needs of others.


8 posted on 03/09/2012 3:10:54 AM PST by Jemian
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To: Jemian

Our prayers go out to him also. I have heard of Mr Penny.

I was at Toomer’s Corner last night. Bad accident there right before my eyes. A motorcyclist was hit by a car trying to take a left on College St. Said he didn’t even see the guy. The motorcylce did not have his headlight on, and this was just at dusk.

Too many people drive like jerks downtown; especially College and Magnolia where the lanes go from two to one.


9 posted on 03/09/2012 3:51:03 AM PST by Alas Babylon!
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To: Alas Babylon!

Oh my! It was foolish of the cyclist to not have his headlight on. Was he wearing a helmet (although that doesn’t help with shoulders, back, etc. when you go flying!)?

You are absolutely right about traffic at that corner. IIRC, for many, many years, left turns were not allowed. I think that changed in the 90s.

I didn’t realize you lived here, too. Are you a prof, student, Mises Institute, or like me, just livin’?


10 posted on 03/09/2012 4:20:55 AM PST by Jemian
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To: Jemian

Sorry.


11 posted on 03/09/2012 7:01:48 AM PST by lysie
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To: lysie

About the basketball player, it appears that he is just a jerk. He would have done bad stuff no matter where he went. He has been “suspended indefinitely” which is a means of hinting to him to get out! AU called in the FBI and other authorities and that boy is in a world of trouble. I view him as a traitor. I bet he votes democrat, too.

As far as Mr. Penny goes, thanks. I don’t know him personally, but my girls do. He also has known and remembered them although the interaction has been brief and sporadic. I’ve met him once. My prayers go to his family and friends. As I said, he is a community celebrity.


12 posted on 03/09/2012 7:13:38 AM PST by Jemian
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To: Jemian

Mr Penny was also at Camp War Eagle last year - teaching the incoming freshmen the cheers and being his sweet, optimistic self! Such a shock! I am glad for the update....

Are the azaleas blooming there yet? Spring should be early this year! How is your back?


13 posted on 03/12/2012 3:19:13 PM PDT by Momto2 (Love my Auburn Tigers! War Eagle!!!)
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To: Momto2
"...being his sweet, optimistic self! Such a shock!..."

Yes, it was quite a shock. Apparently, his body is well on the way to recovery. The question is, WHAT HAPPENED???!!!!

The azaleas are quite lovely right now. Not all have opened and the dogwoods are at the start of their season. I love Auburn in the spring!

My back is awful. Something happened Saturday, I don't know what, and I spent the evening and all day Sunday in bed on pain-killers. I'm slacking off the pain killers today and am beginning to move around again. I missed church on Sunday. :( I just could not sit. I needed to be there. The pastor is preaching a series on Job.

When are you coming to Auburn?

14 posted on 03/12/2012 3:43:13 PM PDT by Jemian
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To: Jemian

I love Auburn in the spring, too!! (and in the Fall, and in the Winter.....)

I will be coming to Columbus on March 31st to hear the Chamber Choir perform Carmina Burana:
http://www.csoga.org/concerts_tickets/6_carmina_copland.html

But I *will* come over to Auburn soon - maybe we can have lemonade again....
SOOOOO sorry to hear about your back - I am having ups and downs with mine, too. Everytime I see something that *needs* doing in my yard - I give in and then have to pay for it...

Can you get a tape of Job? We are going through James and I hate to miss a Sunday..... :)


15 posted on 03/13/2012 8:38:20 AM PDT by Momto2 (Love my Auburn Tigers! War Eagle!!!)
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To: Momto2

Yes. The pastor is very good about posting his sermons online. I often listen to them on Sunday morning as I get ready for church. It lends continuity and preparation for what I’m going to hear.

Enjoy that concert.


16 posted on 03/13/2012 8:55:55 AM PDT by Jemian
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