By Teddy Greenstein

Chicago Tribune

The college basketball bribery trial has spilled over into football, and Notre Dame and Northwestern have been implicated.

Marty Blazer, a Pittsburgh-area financial adviser and government witness, testified Tuesday in New York —according to tweets from reporters covering the trial —that from 2000 to 2014, he gave cash to football players from seven schools: Notre Dame, Northwestern, Michigan, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Alabama and North Carolina. Blazer’s goal, he said, was to become their financial adviser once they turned pro.

Blazer said the payments ranged from $100 to $3,000 per month and were delivered in cash, sometimes by Western Union, to a player’s friend, girlfriend or family member.

“Northwestern University is not aware of any misconduct related to this report; however, we take any allegation seriously and actively investigate,” a university spokesperson said. “Our university and the department of athletics and recreation are committed to exercising the highest ethical and professional standards, as well as upholding all NCAA rules and regulations.”

Notre Dame officials have yet to comment.