EUGENE -- In his first remarks since accusations of Oregon offering an "astronomical" amount of money in its recruitment of Brian Bowen Jr., Ducks coach Dana Altman denied the claims made in the federal case in Manhattan this week.
"The claims that have been focused at our program are all false," Altman said Friday. "We do not pay players. We never have. We never will."
Altman also denied any knowledge of anyone any Nike or any booster paying or offering to pay players.
Altman, who enters his ninth season as Oregon's coach, thanked University of Oregon president Michael Schill and athletic director Rob Mullens for their support this week after allegations of the offered payment were made by the attorney of Adidas executive James Gatto.