Oxford can hear the alarm bells going off at full volume.
With the NCAA's target on their back, Ole Miss could turn out to be the sacrificial lamb in a desperate attempt to show the portal isn't the Wild West.
"The NCAA confirmed toThe Athletic via a statement Monday night that it is involved in the matter. Though the organization did not provide specifics, officials have been in direct contact with Clemson about Swinney’s allegations," The Athletic's Grace Raynor confirmed.
The statement comes just days after Jon Duncan, NCAA vice president of enforcement, made an official statement on the investigation.
“The NCAA will investigate any credible allegations of tampering and expect full cooperation from all involved as is required by NCAA rules. We will not comment further on any ongoing investigation,” Duncan said just hours after Swinney released the 'blatant tampering' receipts.
At this point, the question becomes what "looking into it" means from the NCAA? In other words, does it mean an actual warning?
What Pete Golding stands to lose?
The NCAA taking prompt action after the receipts Clemson released via their website was the only way they could save their rules from turning into a joke.
And as for the Rebs, if the investigation finds evidence against Golding, it could cost the program anywhere from scholarship reductions, a temporary ban on signing Clemson transfers, a fine, maybe a one‑game suspension for Golding, or a Level II recruiting violation.
But can the NCAA police selectively punish one school while it has allowed the system to spiral entirely out of control? Even ESPN reported that the tampering is running rampant.
The issue is more than Clemson or Ole Miss here, it is the NCAA. However they decide to proceed will only paint them as the villain, because it is a mess of their own making.