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By Steve Andress
EUGENE, Ore. --- Records indicate the vehicle Oregon All-American football player Cliff Harris was driving early Sunday morning, when he was cited for driving 118 mph, was paid for by a university employee.
Oregon State Police tell KEZI Harris was pulled-over shortly after 4:30 a.m. on I-5 south of Albany in a 2011 Nissan Altima. Police say that car was rented from Hertz Rent-A-Car. Police also say Harris was driving with three other people, including two other Duck football players.
Hertz matched the license plate number provided by police with the name of a woman who had the car rented at the time of the incident.
University of Oregon on-line directories show that woman as a member of the faculty/staff.
NCAA rule 16.12.2.3c states:
An institutional employee or representative of the institution's athletics interests may not provide a student-athlete with extra benefits or services, including, but not limited to: The use of an automobile.
"So, I rented the car for my own purposes on Friday. Cliff Harris and his licensed friend, who showed me his license, asked to borrow it and paid me the full amount in cash that I paid for the rental," said the woman, who agreed to speak to KEZI, on condition of anonymity.
The woman, who describes herself as a friend of Harris over the past few months, said she was unaware Cliff would be driving and also said she has proof that the amount she paid for the rental car matches two separte deposits she made into her bank account Friday.
"I do have a copy of my bank statement, showing two deposits Friday of $180 and $120."
According to Hertz Vehicle Control, the Nissan Altima was rented Friday, June 10th and returned after business hours Sunday, June 12th at 10:44 p.m..
Oregon Sports Information Director Dave Williford confirmed the athletic department was aware a female rented the car and was not in the vehicle when Harris was cited. Williford said he was not aware the woman who rented the car was an employee of the university and was looking into that matter.
The woman said she was not Harris' girlfriend "or any relation of that matter" and was not a student at UO, just an employee.
She also said she was not sure if the friend that was with Harris when she gave him the rental car was a football player or not.
Again, at the time of the speeding incident, police confirmed two other Oregon football players were in the car but wouldn't identify them, because they were not cited.
Now ask yourself, had this been Ohio State....do you think the ESPN story would have been worse than THIS:
Monday, June 13, 2011
Cliff Harris cited for driving 118 mph
Associated Press
EUGENE, Ore. -- Oregon cornerback Cliff Harris has been cited with driving 118 mph on a suspended license.
Oregon State police say Harris, 20, was pulled over after an off-duty trooper spotted him about 4:35 a.m. PT Sunday on Interstate 5 south of Albany, Ore. An on-duty officer clocked Harris and pulled him over.
Harris was cited for driving with a suspended license and exceeding the speed limit in excess of 100 mph. Police say he was driving a rental car.
The fine for driving a vehicle faster than 100 mph is $1,148.
Harris excelled as a sophomore last season at cornerback and on special teams. He had six interceptions and set an Oregon record with four punt returns for touchdowns.
Known for his entertaining banter with reporters, Harris dubbed the BCS championship "The Natty." Oregon lost to Auburn in the title game in January after going 12-0 last season.
Oregon coach Chip Kelly said in a statement that the team was disappointed by Harris' lack of judgment, which he called unacceptable.
"I've said from the beginning that it should be a privilege to play football at the University of Oregon. With that said, individuals must bear the responsibilities for their own behavior," Kelly said. "Once we have finished collecting all the information in this situation, we will determine the appropriate action."
Last month, Oregon linebacker Kiko Alonso pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of trespassing and criminal mischief. He was sentenced to two years of probation, 200 hours of community service and alcohol treatment.
Alonso, 20, was suspended indefinitely from the team by Kelly.
I mean really ESPN?
THIS is the summary of the story?
No mention that the car was rented by a university employee.
Thank God we all now know that Harris is known for his entertaining banner and the fine for speeding is greater than $1000...
Grade A+ journalism from ESPN...