When this tip first came to us, we didn’t think much of it – although we did what we do anytime information comes in, we investigated it with a healthy dose of respect and an equally healthy dose of skepticism.

During the course of our investigation, we spoke to several sources who had some degree of familiarity with the basic accusation – but it wasn’t until earlier this week that we got a big break in our efforts.

That’s when we spoke to a source with firsthand information about the allegation (a witness, if you will). Now, things have jumped to a much higher energy level. In fact, thanks to a simple three word allegation, our attorneys … and quite possibly the NCAA … have gotten involved in the case.

Would it be bad for the University of South Carolina if this allegation turns out to be true? Yes. It would be inconceivably bad. It might even result in the school having to vacate its first two national championships.