Comments made on tape by Terry Bowden, Auburn's head football coach from 1993-1998, were released on Sunday and acknowledge $5,000-$15,000 payments made by boosters to players. Bowden, son of Florida State coach Bobby and older brother of Clemson coach Tommy, is now a commentator for ABC Sports and contends that the comments were made off the record.
The interview was held two years ago with a reporter from the Opelika-Auburn News. However, the remarks were not released until the recent publication of a book by former Auburn president William Muse, who headed the university during Bowden's time as coach. In the book, Muse admits to hearing rumors of a pay-for-play scheme. Also, Muse acknowledges that Bowden spoke to him of booster misconduct, even after Bowden left the school. Bowden claims to have ended the practice when he became coach.