NFL: No proof ex-LSU RB Derrius Guice was asked about sexual identity, mother at combine

A.J. Perez | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption NFL draft: Who's going first? Who's moving up? SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports NFL insiders Jarrett Bell and Lindsay Jones detail what the Browns look to do at the top of the draft and who could move up and cause chaos.

Derrius Guice was interviewed multiple times by NFL investigators after the former LSU running back claimed teams asked him about his sexual identity and whether his mother was a prostitute at the NFL scouting combine earlier this year.

There were at least three such interviews and Guice gave a different account in each, a person with knowledge of the investigation told USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday. The person requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the inquiry.

Guice never admitted he made up the allegations, although the NFL released its findings Wednesday, stating its investigation could not find evidence such questions were asked.

As part of the league’s inquiry, investigators contacted every club and spoke with Guice, his agent and other people.

“The investigation did not confirm that any club made the reported inquiries,” NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said in an email to USA TODAY Sports. “Nonetheless, we used this opportunity to reaffirm our workplace standards and emphasize the importance of fully complying with all requirements of federal and state law. The NFL and each of its member clubs remain fully committed to fair and non-discriminatory employment practices.”

Guice had been projected by some to be taken late in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday. Now, there likely is less chance of that occurring.

Guice created a strong pushback from LGBTQ advocates with the accusations, claims he made in a SiriusXM interview last month.

‘’It was pretty crazy," Guice said. "Some people are really trying to get in your head and test your reaction. ... I go in one room, and a team will ask me do I like men, just to see my reaction. I go in another room, they’ll try to bring up one of my family members or something and tell me, 'Hey, I heard your mom sells herself. How do you feel about that?’ "

The NFL launched a similar investigation after a similar inappropriate question was asked of incoming rookie Eli Apple at the combine in 2016 before the former Ohio State cornerback was drafted by the New York Giants.

That question came from Atlanta Falcons assistant coach Marquand Manuel, who was promoted last year to defensive coordinator. Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said in a statement that he spoke to Manuel, who was not initially identified, and “explained to him how inappropriate and unprofessional this was.”

Follow Perez on Twitter @byajperez