Big Ten Basketball Program Faces Serious NIL Tampering Allegation

Former Wisconsin basketball player A.J. Storr is accused of having his reps hunt for a new team during this past season.

Storr was a dominant offensive player for the Badgers this year, and while he had some serious flaws, he was a key part in many Wisconsin wins.

That's why fans were so shocked when he announced shortly after the season that he would be leaving the team. There was a lot of chatter he'd land at Illinois, but ultimately chose to transfer to Kansas. Prior to transferring to the Jayhawks, it was reported that Storr demanded $1 million as his transfer fee. Kansas countered with $750,000. It's unclear what the final price is.

Former Wisconsin basketball star A.J. Storr transferred to Kansas. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

Did teams tamper with A.J. Storr?

While the athletic guard/forward will now play in Lawrence, a troubling NIL allegation has surfaced against Storr's reps and Illinois.

Badgers Stripes recently reported the following:

"Perhaps the biggest mark against Storr joining the Badgers is that his people were negotiating with other programs after his fast start and in the middle of the season. He reportedly made a deal with Illinois in February to help them reload for the following season. One Kansas apparently outbid this month."

Illinois accused of tampering with A.J. Storr. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

This is an incredibly serious allegation highlighted by the popular Wisconsin sports site, which cited an X post from a Michigan State 247Sports beat reporter for its information. It's incredibly serious because it's blatant tampering if true.

It's not a secret reps for players and schools might try to entice a guy into the portal, but having a deal allegedly ironed out long before the season is over is absolutely nuts. Remember, schools aren't supposed to be directly involved in NIL. It's supposed to be controlled by third parties. If Illinois directed or knew about tampering to get Storr to Champaign - which ultimately failed - then it's one of the most obvious cases of tampering fans have seen.

Part of the issue here is that the NCAA has more or less given up trying to regulate NIL after a recent court ruling. It's the wild west, and there's no question we're in unprecedented times.

Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard openly stated Storr and Chucky Hepburn - also in the transfer portal - could triple their money elsewhere.

Is it time to find a way to control NIL? It certainly seems that way to me. Let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.