ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, February 11, 1997 TAG: 9702110101
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
ANTOINE WOMACK SAYS ``scare tactics'' kept him from signing with Virginia.
Antoine Womack, the all-time rusher in the state's largest high school classification, confirmed Monday he was prepared to sign a letter of intent to play football at Virginia until complications arose.
``I was real close to signing,'' said Womack, rated the No.1 prospect in the state by The Roanoke Times. ``That was until people started using scare tactics on me.''
Womack, a running back from Phoebus High School in Hampton who orally committed to Penn State on Jan.17, said it was out of fear that UVa would be accused of a recruiting violation that he did not sign with the Cavaliers. He remains undecided.
``It's still a battle,'' Womack said. ``It's like there's a tug of war and I'm in the middle.''
When it became apparent he was leaning toward Virginia, Womack said he was told by people he would not identify that the Cavaliers would be reported to the NCAA if he signed with them.
At least one point of contention was the contact Virginia coaches had with a minister who is a friend of Womack's family. Also, the internet is rampant with rumors that Womack received a car or that his mother was offered a job.
``That's what they're saying, but it's not true,'' Womack said. ``They're saying Virginia contacted somebody, but there was not any [illegal] contact that I knew about.
``When I decide where I'm going, it's not going to be anything materialistic. It's going to be a decision from the heart, and me and my heart are having a talk right now.''
Womack, who set a Group AAA record by rushing for 5,570 yards during his career, barely had committed to Penn State when he reportedly asked Virginia to continue to recruit him.
``I did change my mind,'' Womack said. ``I went to visit Penn State and, socially, something wasn't right. Socially, Virginia is the greatest, not that I'm going to school for the social life.''
The threat that Virginia might be accused of a recruiting violation prompted Womack to get in touch with the NCAA. He awaits additional clarification.
``Just going by what I said, they said there was nothing wrong,'' Womack said. ``But, who knows what's being said behind my back. All the time I'm getting these anonymous letters and anonymous phone calls.
``If I was to sign with Virginia and they were to be investigated, I'd be caught in the middle. I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize my future. But there's been nothing illegal, from what I can see.''
Rival recruiters were greeted by a life-sized poster of Penn State coach Joe Paterno in the Phoebus coaches' office and some have questioned the impartiality of Womack's coach, Bill Dee.
``We're getting along all right,'' Womack said. ``He didn't come right out and tell me where to go, but he told me what he thought would be better for me.''
Womack said he is tempted to take one more unofficial visit to both schools, but another side of him wants to put an end to the ordeal and sign this week.
``I've got till April 1,'' he said, ``so what's the rush? But I'm getting tired of it. There are so many conflicts between coaches and fans and peers, but eventually I have to do something.''
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: 1996 FILE. Phoebus running back Antoine Womack isby CNBdebating whether to sign with Virginia or Penn State. color.