Former OSU Player Who Talked To Sports Illustrated Stands By His Story

Some of the players quoted in the five-part Sports Illustrated article on the Oklahoma State University football program have come out saying their words were twisted.

But there's one, who's standing by his story, and he spoke only to News On 6.

Fath' Carter said he was led to believe the interview was focusing on how Oklahoma State became successful, not on alleged corruption.

Now, Carter said he regrets even talking to the magazine, but said he's standing by his story.

"I was there from 2000 to 2004," Carter said.

He was just 18 when he left his hometown of El Reno on a full-ride football scholarship.

"I was recruited heavily and I chose Oklahoma State," Carter said.

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Carter was recruited by head coach Bob Simmons, who left after Carter's freshman year. It was when Les Miles stepped in that Carter said the program began to change.

"The Miles era was a totally different vibe, it was definitely a winning aspect on the field," Carter said.

He said Miles was so focused on winning, that many of the players got a free pass when it came to academics.

"At that time, we just didn't ask questions," he said.

Carter said some of the better players didn't even have to show up for class, but still got the grades they needed to play. He said others were kept eligible through online classes or tutors completing their homework.

9/10/2013 Related Story: OSU Staff, Players Deny Allegations Of Bonuses For Performance

"I definitely received a couple grades that weren't merited, and that was the norm, too. Especially if you were at the top tier or you had considerable playing time. It was known," he said.

But Carter also said players were paid for how well they played. He said he was paid $100 once for blocking several punts. He said he was given another $100 for letting two top recruits live with him before they were allowed to under NCAA rules.

Carter said he still loves his alma mater, and had no intentions of bashing OSU.

"I know there's gonna be backlash, but I was asked a specific question and I gave the truth--no matter who likes it, it is the truth. And it's prevalent in college athletics, especially the big programs. It happens all the time," Carter said.

Carter said he would've liked to play for Mike Gundy, and said his experiences are only from the Les Miles era.

Carter said he hopes the Sports Illustrated article sheds light on many other college programs that he said are doing the same thing.