(Durham, NC)  --  Duke University is investigating claims that star player Zion Williamson's mother was paid by Nike.  The allegations were made by lawyer Michael Avenatti, who was just charged for allegedly trying to blackmail Nike for 20-million-dollars.  Avenatti says Williamson's mother Sharonda Sampson was given money, hidden as "consulting fees," to push her son to become a Blue Devil.  Nike has not denied any of the accusations made by Avenatti, only issued a statement saying they believe in playing fair.