Auburn, SEC react to HBO special

Auburn president Jay Gogue and athletics director Jay Jacobs, as well as the Southeastern Conference, issued statements late Wednesday regarding the pay for play allegations to be raised by four former Auburn football players during Wednesday night's segment of HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel."

"As a university president, there are several things you want from the athletics department,” Gogue said. “One of them is playing by the rules, and Jay Jacobs and the athletics department are committed to that priority. They will investigate these allegations thoroughly and completely."

Jacobs’ statement confirmed that the matter is under investigation.

"We are aware that four former football players have made allegations against Auburn,” Jacobs said. “While HBO confirmed to us they have no proof that any of these claims are true, we contacted both the NCAA and Southeastern Conference as soon as these allegations surfaced. We have engaged outside counsel to investigate this matter and will spare no resources to find the truth."

The Southeastern Conference also issued a statement regarding the allegations.

“We are aware of some of the information to be aired during this evening’s HBO Real Sports,” statement said. “Representatives from Auburn University, representatives from LSU and the SEC office have communicated with the NCAA Enforcement Staff. The involved institutions and the NCAA staff will pursue the allegations in a timely manner.”