New evidence could reopen Tee Martin case

The headline on the University of Tennessee's news release said, "NCAA clears Tennessee of further inquiries" into the Tee Martin cash-and-carry scandal, but that's not what the NCAA said.

In its Jan. 7 letter to Vol athletics director Doug Dickey, the NCAA said there is no need "to conduct any further inquiry into these matters at this time."

The key phrase is "at this time," meaning the NCAA could reopen the Tee Martin case if new information surfaces.

The NCAA said it's likely that "money was provided to Martin in violation of NCAA amateurism bylaws." Martin has admitted he accepted money from former Mobile sports writer Wayne Rowe, who said $4,500 was sent to Martin in February 1999 on behalf of Mobile insurance agent Diane Sanford, a UT fan.

At issue was whether Sanford is a Tennessee booster. The NCAA said she isn't.

Still, Dickey said Martin would have been suspended and not allowed to play his senior season if UT had known beforehand that he received the money.

Tennessee clearly is relieved that the NCAA found no "apparent" connection between UT and the money paid to Martin. And, unless or until new evidence surfaces, it's a dormant issue.

Hanging out there as long as it did, for more than a year, the Martin case probably cost Tennessee a chance to sign Mobile QB JaMarcus Russell, who at one time had the Vols high on his list.

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The Vol basketball team needs to solve two problems before playing at Ole Miss Saturday