Former NFL quarterback and USC Athletic Director Pat Haden has become a target of the wide-ranging investigation into the college admissions scandal, according to reports.
Haden, a former player for the L.A. Rams, has become a focus of investigators for his time as athletic director of the University of Southern California, the New York Post reports.
Federal investigators are looking into Haden’s relationship with William “Rick” Singer, the central figure in the college admissions scandal.
Haden has already spoken out about the investigation through a statement issued by his son-in-law.
“Like many people, I was introduced to Mr. Singer several years ago by a friend. I was unaware of his illegal activities and had no ongoing relationship with him whatsoever,” Haden said in the statement.
Haden also insisted that he has not yet been contacted or interviewed by anyone from the investigation.
According to insiders who spoke to the Wall Street Journal, investigators are looking into a meeting between Haden, Singer and Donna Heinel, a former USC assistant athletic director. Both Singer and Heinel have been charged in the widening scandal.
Investigators say that Haden brought Heinel into the meeting with Singer and instructed her to work with Singer to bring wealthy families to USC.
Singer is accused of arranging bribes to be paid by wealthy families to coaches and schools to lower standards to allow the children of wealthy parents admission to a list of high-end colleges and universities.
Already two famous names have been swept up in the scandal. Actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin have been arrested and are facing charges.
Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston.
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