Handling of School Money and Gifts

Besides scholarships, Graham was particularly concerned with players and coaches receiving compensation just for the fact that they represented the school’s athletic programs.  During the December 1936 hearings, Graham repeatedly questioned Athletic Director Ray Sermon’s purchases over the last few years.  Many local hardware and sporting supplies store owners were summoned to the hearings for Graham to interrogate concerning Sermon’s use of school money.  The first image depicts an example of receipts reviewed during the hearings.  Graham particularly expressed concern over ten golf balls, possibly purchased by Sermon with school money. 

Also, Graham disliked that many stores gave players, coaches, and the athletic director special treatment.   The second image displays testimony from the hearing when Graham questioned a store owner who described that many stores gave small Christmas presents to coaches as a token of appreciation for their business.