Did a search and this piece was posted in 2014 and I believe again in 2018 but I never saw it. I've heard many commenters here refer to the practice being common down south but never realized there was an article documenting how it's done. Maurice Clarett, Cris Carter and Terrelle Pryor all received cash from bag men and the Nuts were banned from postseason play in 2012 because of players receiving improper benefits. Tressel got canned for it.
I wonder if the new NIL program will make it easier to help players in need, make it less conspicuous.