Western Michigan University officials have contacted the University of Minnesota’s athletic department with concerns that Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck possibly had illegal contact with at least one his former Broncos players, a source told the Detroit News on Wednesday.

Western Michigan linebacker Robert Spillane was granted his release from the Broncos program Monday. On Wednesday afternoon, he denied reports that his decision to switch schools was related to Fleck, saying he wanted “alternative academic/football opportunities.”

“Contrary to media reports this decision has nothing to do with PJ Fleck or the University of Minnesota,” he wrote.

University of Minnesota spokesman Paul Rovnak told the Pioneer Press on Wednesday morning: “We are not recruiting any students from Western Michigan.”

During visit to the Capitol to support the U of M’s Legislative requests, Fleck told KSTP-TV, “We’re not recruiting any Western Michigan football players, it’s pretty simple.”

The Detroit News’ source is “in position to know about such conversations” and requested anonymity because of the sensitivity surrounding such allegations. One University of Minnesota official said he was unaware Wednesday night of that contact occurring between the schools.

Western Michigan spokesman Robin Hook said Wednesday morning he was not aware of a possible WMU response to this story, adding he would reply to the Pioneer Press if it’s warranted.

Spillane’s release from Western Michigan has with zero restrictions on what school he can attend, the Detroit News said. “We thank Robert for all of his contributions as a Bronco,” Western Michigan’s football account said in a tweet.

The junior from Oak Park, Ill., will have to sit out a season if he transfers to another Football Bowl Subdivision school, per NCAA rules. Related Articles Could Gophers receiver Rashod Bateman come back for 2020 season?

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“I’m truly excited for what my future holds,” Spillane also tweeted.

The NCAA’s transfer policy states, in part: “A student-athlete who wants to transfer must receive written permission from his or her athletics director before contacting another school.”

Spillane had 111 tackles in 14 games under Fleck last fall during Western Michigan’s 13-1 season that ended in a loss to Wisconsin in the Cotton Bowl. Linebacker is one of the deepest position groups on the Gophers roster.