NEW YORK — Laremy Tunsil apparently took it literally when people said he was going to go high in the NFL draft.
The Ole Miss offensive tackle, who was taken at No. 13 in the first round by the Miami Dolphins, had been projected to go higher — until just 15 minutes before the draft when a hacker posted video on Tunsil’s Twitter account of him taking a hit from a bong while wearing a gas mask.
The hacker then posted images on Tunsil’s Instagram account that allegedly showed him taking money from coaches at the University of Mississippi. The images appear to be screengrabs of text messages from Tunsil asking for help with his rent and his mom’s utility bills.
The recipient of the messages was John Miller, assistant athletic director for football operations at the University of Mississippi, the Clarion Ledger reported. Ole Miss athletic director for high school and junior colleges Barner Farrar was also referenced in the texts, the Clarion Ledger reported.
Later during a press conference, Tunsil admitted smoking from a bong. “I made that mistake,” he said.
When asked if he had taken money from a coach, he said: “I’d have to say yeah.”
Video of the press conference can be seen on YouTube channel NewsWatch Ole Miss.
This is bad news for Ole Miss, which is already being investigated for violations by the NCAA.
Tunsil had been projected by some on the eve of the NFL Combine to be the top overall pick in the 2016 draft.