ESPN's Mel Kiper stands by his ethics

In this week's Sports Illustrated cover story, a first-hand account detailing how an agent worked to recruit college athletes, often by paying cash, there was an anecdote involving ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper helping the agent, Josh Luchs, participating on a call Luchs made to a Stanford player.

In a statement released by ESPN, Kiper said: "Conversations with players, which are occasionally facilitated by agents, are a valuable way to get to know the players. These conversations have never compromised my integrity and my 32-year record supports that."

Kiper's ranking of NFL prospects by position is annually one of the most talked-about pre-draft evaluations.

-- Diane Pucin