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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The NCAA is investigating a possible rules violation at South Carolina.

Multiple media outlets reported the investigation is focused on Gamecocks' tight end Weslye Saunders.

South Carolina athletic director Eric Hyman issued a statement late Sunday saying the school was cooperating in the investigation.

Saunders did not want to discuss possible NCAA contact when reached by phone Monday. "I don't want to talk right now," he told The Associated Press. "I appreciate it."

Coach Steve Spurrier says he doesn't know what the NCAA asked Saunders. But he says investigators talked to Saunders and some players at North Carolina.

Calls and messages to Spurrier, Hyman and Saunders' father, Barry, a news columnist at The (Raleigh) News & Observer, were not immediately returned.

The NCAA is investigating North Carolina players and possible improper contact with a sports agent.

Spurrier says his players have been carefully taught about dealing with agents and people who might give them gifts.

The coach says he has no knowledge that Saunders has broken any rules.

Saunders is a 6-foot-5, 280 pound senior who was South Carolina's third-leading receiver last season with a career-best 32 catches and three touchdowns. Saunders considered jumping to the NFL, but decided to play his senior season with the Gamecocks.

Saunders was suspended briefly in January for missing the team's first meeting of the offseason. However, he was reinstated by Spurrier about a week later.

The State of Columbia, S.C., reported that Saunders, a Durham native, has several friends on the UNC football team. One of those is defensive end Marvn Austin, whom the NCAA has interview in connection with reports that some UNC football players got gifts or extra benefits.