Former Brookhaven star and current Mississippi State linebacker Leo Lewis strongly denying the accusations from Rebel Rags in Oxford claiming Lewis and Kobe Jones gave the NCAA false information during the investigation into Ole Miss’ football program.

Lewis’ lawyer, John Wheeler, claims that the case for the popular retail store in Oxford doesn’t hold its own and the case venue should not be held in Lafayette County.

“You can’t stand to recover damages for defamation when you self-publish a defamatory or alleged defamatory comment,” Wheeler told The Clarion-Ledger. “It’s important to remember that the truth is absolute defense to any claim of defamation. Always has been, always will be.”

Lewis, Jones and Laremy Tunsil’s stepfather Lindsey Miller, face three counts in the lawsuit, including defamation, commercial disparagement and civil conspiracy.

In their suit, Rebel Rags claims that Lewis set up numerous meeting with NCAA officials and urged one of the defendants to provide false information to the NCAA about the Ole Miss investigation.

Rebel Rags added on that Lewis and others made the false accusations knowing it would affect the store and their business.

Wheeler stated Lewis’ testimony to the NCAA was completely confidential between him and the NCAA investigators. Wheeler also claims his client Lewis didn’t release any information about the private interviews with the NCAA and all of the information was completely confidential.

Wheeler also said he couldn’t get into details about whatever communication Lewis had with the NCAA, but everything was confidential and it will stay that way.

Wheeler claims there is no basis for the argument to keep the case in Lafayette County. The reason being is that Lewis now lives in Starkville and the actions of the NCAA interview itself occurred in Starkville and not in Oxford.

Depositions for Lewis and Kobe Jones are schedule for July 19 and it is a strong possibility that those will be delayed.