Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 1, 1995 TAG: 9504030077
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: MIAMI LENGTH: Medium
Singer Luther Campbell and Collins, who are black, have suggested race is an issue in Miami's quarterback competition. Campbell warned that he'd expose a play-for-pay scheme at Miami if Collins doesn't start under Butch Davis, the Hurricanes' new coach.
``It's a slap in the face for him to even be battling for a job,'' Campbell said. ``If it comes down to them disrespecting a black quarterback and the black community and just black kids in general, then whatever I could do to speak out about what I know to straighten their [act], I'm going to do that.''
Several former Miami players have said Campbell paid players for on-field performances, offering as much as $500 for touchdowns in a 1989 game against Notre Dame. Campbell said at the time he never paid players.
Miami is investigating the allegations.
``If they don't start Ryan Collins ... I will tell all,'' Campbell told The Miami Herald for Friday's editions. ``I will tell everything I know to the NCAA.
``If he doesn't go out there for the first play versus UCLA, I'll give you all the violations from 1986 to last year. As of now, I don't know anything. But if Ryan doesn't start, coach Butch Davis is going to wish he never took that job.''
Collins dueled for a starting job the past two seasons with Frank Costa, who is white.
``If I were a white quarterback,'' Collins told the Herald, ``people would be talking about me like I was the greatest ever.''
Davis said he will not be pressured into making a decision. ``If you truly care about the program,'' he said, ``your concern should be who helps us win.''
by CNB