Latest Ole Miss news brings no shortage of reactions from players, coaches

Willie Gay is a four-star outside linebacker from Starkville, Miss., who elected to stay home for college — and boy is he glad he did.

Gay, you see, committed to Mississippi State on national signing day. But at one point he had been an Ole Miss commit. And in case you haven’t heard, the Rebels aren’t exactly basking in glory these days, which explains why Gay is extra happy with his college choice.

The NCAA added eight allegations of wrongdoing Wednesday to its previous list of 13, charging Ole Miss with a lack of institutional control. The Rebels self-imposed a bowl ban for 2017.

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Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze had his own public reaction, re-tweeting and commenting on a number of tweets of support sent his way.

Athletic director Ross Bjork echoed the sentiment.

Other current Rebels players voiced their support, too — from defensive end Marquis Haynes, who passed on the NFL draft to return to school for his senior season; to sophomore receiver A.J. Brown, who says he won’t look for an escape elsewhere; to starting left guard Javon Patterson, who is entering his junior year.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Ole Miss controversy if former Rebels basketball player Marshall Henderson wasn’t involved somehow — even if it isn’t exactly clear whom he’s supporting here.

This saga — and opinions surrounding it — isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, especially given the defiant tone Ole Miss has taken from the start. Stay tuned.

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Matt Fortuna is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

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