Pittsburgh Steelers in this year's NFL draft

Pouncey, who was drafted 18th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in James Harrison this year's NFL draft, allegedly took the money between the Southeastern Conference title game on Dec. 6 and the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, according to

He denied the allegations in a statement Wednesday through his attorney, Stephen Stanfield.

"I did not accept $100,000; it is an absolutely ridiculous claim," Pouncey said. "I have completely cooperated with the investigation and answered any and all questions put to me."

An internal investigation by University of Florida and an outside investigation by the University Police Department are also taking place in relation to the allegations.

Jason La Canfora of NFL Network is reporting that the new Pittsburgh Steelers jerseys and the Indianapolis Colts were the only two teams to visit Chester Pitts workout in Arizona today. Pitts also scheduled another workout for next week.

Pitts has gained interest from the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions earlier this off season.


The Steelers would be interested in Pitts because of the loss of Willie Colon, which forces Trai Essex to move to offensive tackle.


Pitts would probably compete with Kyle DeVan and Mike Pollack James Farrior to start at either guard spot. Signing Pitts would be bad news for holdover Tony Ugoh, who is trying to move from tackle to guard this off season.

Then came news that top draft choice Maurkice Pouncey, a natural center expected to start at right guard, is the focus of an NCAA investigation of the Florida football program. That won't affect Pouncey's NFL career, of course, but it piled on the bad news for a franchise that has declined steadily since winning the Super Bowl in the 2008 season.

At a youth football camp in Pittsburgh last week, Kevin Colbert, the Steelers' director of football operations, said: "We know we have a huge challenge ahead of us. We didn't have the type of off-season that we're proud of."

Roethlisberger may have his suspension lifted after four games. In his place, the Steelers plan to use Byron Leftwich, who appeared in five games for them in their most recent Super Bowl year. Leftwich was immobile when he was 24 -- six years ago. His effectiveness behind an offensive line in disrepair is a huge question mark.