Tim Tebow says he is pausing his relationship with Life Surge, the Christian seminar organization, after an investigation accused it of using faith-based branding and celebrity speakers to pressure attendees into expensive courses.

“The allegations are extremely, extremely serious, and it’s something that we take very seriously,” Tebow said Friday. “We’re having our team do an investigation, but also pausing our relationship till we can learn more about the facts.”

The Sept. 24 investigation by Mother Jones and Pablo Torre alleged that Life Surge uses low-cost one-day events to funnel attendees toward programs priced up to $40,000, with former customers and employees describing high-pressure sales tactics and encouragement to use credit cards, home equity and 401(k) funds.

Tebow, who served as a spokesman for the company, said he was caught off guard and learned the details while traveling to an event in Alabama. Life Surge has denied wrongdoing, saying headline speakers are not asked to promote its advanced programs.

ChurchLeaders also reported that the Department of Justice previously sued Life Surge founder Joe Johnson over a separate earlier company, a case that was settled with no admission of wrongdoing.