Rape testimony brings up possible NCAA violation

Alcohol consumption was the focus of testimony again in the rape trial of two former Vanderbilt University football players on Thursday, and the manner in which it was provided may have violated an NCAA rules.

The alleged victim in the case testified under oath that a booster purchased drinks for Commodores football players on June 23, 2013, a violation of the NCAA's "extra benefits" rule.

Bylaw 16.02.3 rule states that athletes may not be provided with money, gifts, loans, flowers or other items from anyone representing an institution, including fans.

Angela Gentry, who is from West Palm Beach, Fla., was identified in earlier court filings as being a person who picked up the alcohol tab for Vanderbilt players. She could meet the NCAA's definition for a booster.

In an interview with The Tennessean in June 2014, Gentry admitted to having met one of the accused former players, Brandon Vandenburg, once. Gentry denied regularly buying drinks for athletes, but said it may have happened on occasion.

While being questioned by prosecutor Tom Thurman on Thursday the alleged victim was asked if she had ever observed "Angie" buying drinks for football players and answered, "I did, that night."

The alleged victim also testified that "Angie" purchased a drink for her at the Tin Roof and that she had never before met Angie.

A reference to Gentry also was made during the opening day of testimony when Katie White, a friend of the alleged victim, said she knew of a "booster lady named Angie" at the Tin Roof.

Former Vanderbilt football player Jaborian McKenzie, who testified Tuesday, also referred to a woman who bought drinks for Vanderbilt student-athletes at the Tin Roof, but did not name Gentry.

In September 2013, Vanderbilt athletics director David Williams banned all Vanderbilt student-athletes from the Tin Roof.

Williams declined to comment Thursday on the ongoing testimony.

After imposing the ban in 2013, Williams said was worried student-athletes being given free drinks could be a violation of the extra benefits rule.

Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 and on Twitter @MikeOrganWriter.