Skip navigation
Site powered by
Latest news:
msnbc.com: Top msnbc.com headlines: Violence widens ahead of Greek austerity vote

McFadden not worried about eligibility

Report Arkansas received car retracted, but school investigating

Image: McFaddenAP
Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden set a school record with 1,725 yards rushing on 304 carries with 15 touchdowns this season.

DALLAS - Arkansas star Darren McFadden said Saturday he fully expects to play in the Cotton Bowl after a television report raised questions about his eligibility. Arkansas television station KARK has since backed off the report, apologizing to McFadden and his family.

“It’s something that’s uncalled for — people not getting their facts straight,” said McFadden, the Heisman Trophy runner-up. “I haven’t done anything wrong.”

On Thursday, McFadden and agent Mike Conley were linked by KARK to the purchase of a Cadillac Escalade. After strong denials by Conley and McFadden’s parents, the station said Friday its report was flawed.

“We want to publicly apologize to Mr. Conley for any distress he has experienced,” said a posting on the station’s Web site. “And we also want to apologize to Darren McFadden and his family for reporting details of this story that were not accurate.”

The 25th-ranked Razorbacks play No. 7 Missouri in the Cotton Bowl on Tuesday.

After the initial report, the University of Arkansas said it was reviewing the matter. The school released a statement Saturday that stopped short of declaring the issue dead.

“Earlier this week, media reports suggested that potentially improper steps were taken to secure a vehicle for an Arkansas student-athlete,” the school said. “Although the television station that reported the story has publicly apologized for its initial report, the University has continued to vigorously review the matter. ... While it would not be appropriate to comment specifically regarding the review at this time, it should be noted that the student-athlete has not been ruled ineligible.”

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

advertisement
More news
Image: Boston College v Miami
Getty Images
'I'm taking that program down'

Miami coach Al Golden says the worst is behind him, but his headaches figure to continue now that former booster Nevin Shapiro, now in jail, says his involvement with the Hurricanes program will result in stiff penalties.

Image: LSU quarterback Jefferson is stripped of the ball by Alabama's Hightower during the second half of the NCAA BCS National Championship college football game in New Orleans
Reuters
CFT: Jefferson says 'Alabama was more prepared'

CFT: Jordan Jefferson makes it clear he wasn't happy with LSU's game plan in the Tigers' BCS Championship Game loss to Alabama.

Video: Football from NBC Sports
Memphis fulfills BCS dream
Tigers officials thrilled to announce that school has been accepted to join the Big East Conference in 2013.

Slideshow
Image: Joe Paterno
  Joe Paterno (1926-2012)
A look at the career of legendary Penn State coach Joe Paterno

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Image:
  BCS title game
Check out photos of Crimson Tide's victory over Tigers.

more photos

Slideshow
Image: Kansas State running back Pease is tackled by Arkansas defensive tackle Jones during the Cotton Bowl Classic football game in Arlington, Texas
  Bowled over
Check out the action from the postseason games.

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Kansas vs Oklahoma State
  All-American team
Check out which players were best of the best at each position.

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Image: Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio - Wisconsin v Oregon
  College cheer
Check out some of the college football cheerleaders from across the country.

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Image: Snee, 8, son of New York Giants player Chris Snee and head coach Coughlin's grandson plays in the confetti after the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis
  The Week in Sports Pictures
The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more.

more photos