Supposedly, MSU reported the whole thing as soon as the money discussion came up. Whether there was a "technical" agreement, I don't know. I mean, what are you looking for, a contract on it? I really don't think this whole thing works like a criminal court. We could word play on half of the bylaws on the book probably, but if what is being reported in the media is true, do you still think he will be eligible? I highly doubt it.
Well, it may not work like a "criminal court", but then again, only criminal courts do. That said....the SEC bothered to write the rules, and chose the words. Just like the NCAA did. Mike Slive is a lawyer and former judge, and dealt with the NCAA as a lawyer...if you think he's not going to try and determine exactly what the rule says and means, and instead just read it to mean what he thinks would be popular that day...you're fooling yourself. And Slive's own words on this situation about not rushing to judgment should be taken to mean just that.
Not to mention this...Slive has said he wants no programs on probation...Slive carries and swings a HUGE hammer...if you think he won't take every opportunity to advocate in favor of his conference with the NCAA here you're foolish. He may not ask them to ignore money changing hands...but if there's an interpretation to be made, you can damn well bet he's going to lobby to have it interpreted in the SEC's favor, and interpret the SEC's rules in the light most favorable to it's own schools, especially where Auburn has clean hands.