In mid-October of 1983, Dupree decides not to return to Oklahoma at all. Earlier in 2011, he was running a pro wrestling promotion organization, called Mid South Wrestling. His little brother Reggie was disabled and was unable to run or do activities like marcus or other kids. She said, Check with Ken? It was costing me so much in legal fees that I just said to forget it. He's been in and out of hospitals many times and still needs further medical attention. Legendary running back Walter Payton convinced him to get back in shape and try out for the NFL in 1990, and Dupree was signed by the LA Rams that year but his stay in the league didn't last long. "That was news to me. Second quarter you may fumble the ball and come into halftime and have to regroup and understand whats going on. The injury is severe enough to end his career with the Breakers, and when the NFL declares him eligible a year afterward it is already too late for him to recover. The many coaches attempting to recruit Dupree pursue him intensely, monitoring him and his family and making monetary offers as a means of swaying his choice. So we drove to Forest and met Ken Fairley. Shortly after that, he signed the deal with the Breakers. He recounts that his father, long after being released from prison, takes great interest in the high school football games and becomes one of Duprees fans. Marcus Dupree was the most heralded recruit of his time. In 1984, marcus dupree signed with the new orleans breakers of the usfl and had a pretty good season, scoring nine touchdowns. Dupree told ESPN he "was shocked" when he learned that Nancy New, the head of one of the nonprofits, the Mississippi Community Education Center, had pleaded guilty to 13 felony counts of bribery, fraud and racketeering. He also competed in track & field, recording a 4.29 40-yard dash. Brett Favre is not among those facing criminal charges, but, like Dupree, he remains a defendant in the ongoing civil lawsuit filed by the state of Mississippi in May. But I think that rainbow let me know that she heard the news and shes mighty happy that, finally. Tamana Ali-bey 1964-1968. Dupree comes back from break slightly overweight and out of condition, annoying Switzer since Arizona is noted as having the best rush defense in the country. After suffering a concussion in a loss against Texas, he vanished for a week. However, he would never play another down for the Breakers. Maybe even ready for the NFL at that age."[7]. Marcus Dupree was once the biggest name in the future of football. Man if she was here today I cant even imagine what Cella Ruth would be saying. The medias expectations of Dupree grow to the point where many believe that he would become the first college football player to win the Heisman Trophy in his sophomore year. It would be the best for his family. While finishing college at the university, he played spring football for the Golden Eagles. I was shocked when I heard it. It should be apparent to even the most casual observer that Switzer has done all he can for Dupree. The state Auditor's Office has issued demands for more than $77 million in welfare funds that were misspent, according to an audit conducted by the office. Life, to me, is like a football game. Upon being informed that because of NCAA rules, he would have to sit out both the remainder of the 1983 season and the 1984 season, he left after three months. In doing so, he draws attention away from the towns checkered history; the towns schools were integrated in 1970, making Dupree and his class the first children in the county to receive entirely integrated schooling. Marcus Dupree was born on 22 May 1964 in Philadelphia, Mississippi, USA. I did enjoy acting, Dupree said. Later that month, Dupree visits the University of Texas and decides to commit to joining that school, but upon returning to Mississippi he decides to visit the University of Oklahoma anyway. Were all going to have ups and downs. Lily Wu Leaving KWCH 12: Where Is the Wichita News Anchor Going? Marcus Dupree, 1982. Credit: Newscom. ). Dupree told ESPN he "was shocked" when he learned that Nancy New, the head of one of the nonprofits, the Mississippi Community Education Center, had pleaded guilty to 13 felony counts of bribery, fraud and racketeering. . I just figured it was all being put into savings for me. But due to his injuries, he had to sit out for most of his games. Im in pretty good spirits with that, he said. He also noted the "unreasonableness" of using federal welfare money, intended for job training and assistance for needy families, to help purchase a five-bedroom home and a horse farm for a state-contracted employee. Did Steph Curry go bald? Many editorial writers around the nation focused in on OU as an example of all that is wrong in college football. Thomas Tommy Conner was born September 23, 1943, to Leroy Jack Conner and Esther Conner in Neshoba County, MS. The following summer, dupree received an icelandic citizenship and as a result his playing time and performance increased with his averages jumping to 11.4 points in 2 He died april 13, 1986, at the age of 42. For every Marcus Allen, Barry Sanders or Emmitt Smith, there's an Anthony Thompson, a Paul Palmer and a LeShon Johnson, guys who never matched their college success in the NFL. A 30 for 30 documentary on Duprees life The Best There Never Was aired on ESPN in 2010. He also ran a sports bar and worked as a casino-greeter for a short period of time. Marcus Dupree watched the Super Bowl last Sunday in the place where he grew up, the town of Philadelphia, Mississippi. On Wednesday, Dupree denied wrongdoing in an interview with ESPN. Last Name: Ricky Adams 1977-1981. He had to leave the game several times, participating in only 34 offensive plays. The five-bedroom, 4,100-square-foot home is valued at just over $1 million, according to the real estate website Zillow. In his senior year, he eclipsedHerschel Walkers national high school career touchdown record, collecting 36, giving him a total of 81. Ken took that, Dupree said. The player maintains that Switzer. Coming back from Christmas break, he was out of shape and 1015 pounds overweight, for which Switzer publicly criticized him. I was shocked when I heard it. It represents the best copy available at this time. Geneva Alexander 1976-1980. He starred for the Memphis Showboats. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Sentencing is set for Dec. 19. He also has a grandson. What ever happened to Marcus Dupree? Switzer was on Dupree about his weight and sometimes called him out for being lazy. However, once he enrolls in Southern Mississippi, he is informed that his eligibility to play in the remainder of the 1983 season and the entire 1984 is uncertain. Marcus strove to do better and work that much harder because Reggie couldn't do the thinks Marcus could. Such was the case with Marcus Dupree, a star running back who lit the college football scene on fire as a freshman in 1982. Back then, Dupree playing football in school had attracted national attention. Now 52, the former heralded football recruit, whose career tragically vanished almost within no time, has now set foot in thepro-wrestlingring! Why do the Jacksonville Jaguars say Duval? Ken is going to pay for some of the things hes done., Dupree filed suit against Fairley during the late 1980s, but I didnt see it through. Texas and Oklahoma send their recruiters, Tommy Reaux and Lucious Selmon, to live in Philadelphia full-time until signing day. What has seldom been exaggerated in the stories produced by the marvelous high school career of Marcus Dupree is the scope of his talents. In hindsight, you keep going back to a statement that Switzer made when Dupree left OU. FACT CHECK: Dave Ramsey Made a Statement About America Online, FACT CHECK: CIA Director Gina Haspel Found Dead, FACT CHECK: Kwik Trip Launches Kwik Strip Gentlemens Clubs. I didn't even know about that, nothing. He is not sure of his plans at this time, but it is obvious he will not be playing football at U.S.M.. Dupree finds himself overwhelmed by the attention and uncertain of what to do, particularly after his relatives weigh in with their own feelings on the matter. Text messages show he pressured Phil Bryant, a former Mississippi governor, to obtain $5 million in funds to help build a new volleyball center at his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi, where his daughter played the sport. He played in 15 games over two seasons for the Los Angeles Rams, before being waivedprior to the1992 season. Others were just a step too slow. I was still being recruited by schools from all over the country. Alleged haircut has NBA fans in a spin, {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. marosa o, The Best Marcus Dupree Brother Reggie Died Ideas . He played in only five games in the 1983 season because of nagging injuries and suffering a concussion against Texas. At this point, Duprees younger brother Reggie undergoes treatments for his cerebral palsy, which he was born with. Their conversation was cordial, direct, but brief. His second and final season in the USFL was short-lived after sustaining a severe knee injury. He has always been willing to offer a second chance. I didn't even know about that, nothing. Meet the Inspiring NFL On-Air Personality, Who Is Will Hardy? Oklahoma faces their rivals, Texas, and he attempts to play despite his injured condition as a response to challenges leveled at him from some of the Texas players. He was never the same. Marcus L. Dupree (born May 22, 1964) is a former American football player. He still wears his OU number 22 jersey when making special appearances for Crowbar Championship Wrasslin in Oklahoma. He couldnt play college football again until 1985. When he resurfaced in Mississippi, he announced he was leaving OU and transferring to the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1983, Dupree declared hed be transferring to Southern Mississippi. Despite his numerous successes, tension continues between Dupree and the Oklahoma coaching staff, owing to Duprees perceived laid-back attitude and lack of effort during practice sessions. Marcus Dupree, a Mississippi football legend, denies that he defrauded the state's welfare system and is "shocked" to be "lumped in" with Brett Favre in the fraud investigation's findings. According to a 2019 state audit, Dupree was paid, in part, for "equine assisted learning," which Mississippi's state auditor, Shad White, told ESPN meant "teaching people how to ride horses.". In the middle of his sophomore year, Dupree left and briefly attended the University of Southern Mississippi. [7] Switzer told Dupree, "If you'd have been in shape, you'd have rushed for 400 yards, and we'd have won the game."[9]. He played with them for two seasons before he was forced to leave the gamebecause ofa knee injury. I know I shouldnt have left [OU], but I still love Oklahoma and I still love watching [the Sooners] play.. It was a major career threatening blow out . "If Mr. Dupree would like to argue that the amounts he was paid were reasonably justified for the number of speeches given and can show proof of the speeches, he will be able to make that argument in a court," White said. Although Dupree was big at 6' 2", 225 lbs., he was deceptively fast, agile and tough. In October 2021, Dupree's lawyer, J. Matthew Eichelberger, sent a sharply worded letter to White. This time, however, he isn't running for glory or Heisman Trophies. One of Duprees teammates is Cecil Price Jr., the son of the deputy sheriff convicted for his involvement in the deaths of the three civil rights workers in 1964. My dreams were over.. "[10] Hampered by injuries, Dupree gained 369 yards on 61 carries with three touchdowns while playing in four of the first five games of the season. Marcus' younger brother, Reggie, has had serious physical problems since birth. But it has done one thing: the American public should finally realize that the University of Oklahoma wasn't totally to blame for what happened while he was there. It wasin 1985, Dupree earned the starting position for the season opener against the Arizona Outlaws, during whichhe sufferedthat knee injury that ended his career with the USFL. Throughout the year, he was injured and often was on the bench watching Buford Jordan take his carries. I'm passionate about what we did, and for the state to be talking about 'Oh, none of that happened,' yes it did," Dupree said. He gained 684 yards on 145 carries with nine touchdowns for a 4.7 yards per carry average. He becomes a factor in the recruitment negotiations, and he advises Dupree to join the University of Southern Mississippi, as he feels they wanted him more and would do more than other schools to ensure his safety and success.In January 1982, Dupree narrows his choices down to three: Oklahoma, Texas, and Southern Mississippi. He was big, fast, and strong with incredible football instincts. He played for the Breakers for two seasons before a knee injury forced him to leave the game. Theyre the ones who didnt achieve NFL success for reasons of circumstance. Schumann returning to Georgia, FSU AD: Lagging ACC revenue 'has to change', Harbaugh: Corum to miss spring to rehab knee, The new law changing service academy football, and the coaches pushing back, Realignment chatter: How the Pac-12 holds the key to it all, Connelly on transfer trends: What last season can teach us about 2023, College football's assistants and coordinators to watch in 2023. What Happened to ABC7 Reporter Rachel Anderson? But his name didn't appear with any frequency in the national media until the results of a state audit in Mississippi became public and a lawsuit was then filed by the state in May against Dupree, his foundation and dozens of other defendants. "Neither Mr. Dupree, nor his foundation, will be making any payment in response to your demand. Id never heard of him. He finally got what he deserved. May 28, 2018 at 6:06 am. If there was anyone in the history of . The Breakers moved to Portland, Oregon for the 1985 season. Dupree is not permitted to play for most of their games, and the University of Oklahoma suffers a string of devastating losses.Soon after these losses, Switzer makes the surprising announcement that the team is abandoning their vaunted wishbone offensive strategy in favor of one involving a single running back, favoring Dupree. I just looked at him asanother guy trying to get me to sign with his school. Hopefully, Ill have a couple of more (movies) coming up pretty soon. He was named second-team All-American, first-team all-Big Eight Conference and Big Eight Newcomer of the Year. Reggies disability weighs heavily on Duprees conscience, and he hopes that his football talents can earn him enough to afford costly treatments for Reggie. He reported to campus late, missed the team photo and put on considerable weight. Dupree said he couldn't quantify how many times he mentored teens at his horse farm, but he says over the roughly two-year period he was paid by the state he also made 20 to 30 appearances working as a liaison for Families First, traveling Mississippi to speak in prisons and schools and recording radio commercials. "I have a lawyer, and I'm just waiting to see how it all pans out," Dupree said. A 6-foot-2, 225-pounder who was once clocked at 4.29 in a 40-yard dash, he toyed with high school defenders. When I got ready to buy my mother a car, I said, Let me check with Ken, Dupree recalled. Heres what happened to football player Marcus Dupree and where he is now, in 2023. That was unfair. But his name didn't appear with any frequency in the national media until the results of a state audit in Mississippi became public and a lawsuit was then filed by the state in May against Dupree, his foundation and dozens of other defendants. As a freshman in 1978, he scored five touchdowns as wide receiver and seven more as a kickoff and punt returner,[1] including a 75-yard kickoff return touchdown on his first play in high school. In August 1983, Dupree snubs Oklahoma by not appearing for the team photograph, but arrives at practice the next day. 1n 1985 and 1986, Dupree missed two more years of football with knee injuries he sustained in the USFL. He is taken out of a number of games, but starts the next season. College recruiters come out in droves to court Dupree; he estimates that several hundred schools attempted to recruit him. He was a sought-after college recruitplaying for Oklahoma and was named Football NewsFreshman of the Year.. Dupree's much-anticipated sophomore season did not turn out as planned. At the same time, Dupree comes to feel that he is being treated unfairly and is not being given the same privileges and benefits of the other players, such as preferential housing and monetary compensation. The superstar that he did not become and the man he is today are the subject of a new documentary airing. After four years away from football, he decided to give the NFL a shot in 1990. On January 1, 1983, Dupree's freshman season ended with a 32-21 Fiesta Bowl loss against Arizona State. Dupree was late arriving at Breakers' training camp in San Dimas, California that season, but performed well enough to earn a starting position for the season opener at Sun Devil Stadium against the Arizona Outlaws. Dupree provided ESPN several photos of what appear to be teenage boys, whom he says he mentored at his stables in Flora, as well as photos from numerous public appearances. White said his office found "limited evidence" Dupree or anyone else ever delivered those sorts of services to the needy. Why Jimbo Fisher, Quinn Ewers and USC all have plenty to prove in 2023, Five big college football questions to answer this offseason. After that, he started acting like he knew me and that we were friends. But that he followed some bad advice. D. It would be best for him. Dupree and Fairley have been at odds for some time now after the former Oklahoma football star alleged that Fairley cheated him out of millions of dollars in the 1980's. Dupree sued Fairley for. His remarkable achievements throughout Philadelphia and Mississippi even inspired a writer named . To date, six people have been indicted in the pending welfare fraud case. White said his office found "limited evidence" Dupree or anyone else ever delivered those sorts of services to the needy. You really couldn't blame Switzer for putting the cart before this awesome horse even though Dupree had said nothing about returning to OU, where he began this bizarre tale of wanderlust. It was so bright, it looked like I could step up on it and walk right into heaven.. This incident serves to escalate the tension between Dupree and Switzer. Favre has denied wrongdoing. But my grandmother told me from the start that she didnt like Ken and didnt trust him. Despite not starting until the seventh game of the season, Dupree still finished the season with 1,144 rushing yards, averaging a whopping 7.8 yards per carry. Fairley, 62, faces up to 25 years in prison. All 3 counts., And at that exact moment, a rainbow popped out of nowhere, Dupree said Tuesday. He had a quick, spectacular impact on Norman, and that fact did not help the relationship with his coach. He left in the middle of his sophomore season and briefly attended the University of Southern Mississippi. Marcus was featured on a Sports Illustrated cover in 1983 and his incredible running abilities were often the topic of national news broadcasts. As a junior in 1980, he rushed for 2,550 yards and scored 34 touchdowns (25 rushing, 9 by kick return). Marcus played spring football for the Golden Eagles and finished college at the university. Switzer wishes to avoid playing favorite and becomes known for criticizing elements of Duprees play style. Local law enforcement seems to be complicit in their deaths and covers them up. Where Is Damani Whitlock from Last Chance U Season 2 Now? When you do wrong and just keep doing wrong, the bottom is going to finally fall out. "Marcus doesn't want to play football and he doesn't want to go to college," said the OU coach. They're the ones who didn't achieve NFL success for reasons of circumstance. Everybody around me was sad when I was released, he said. His friends and teammates are also contacted and bribed into trying to influence Dupree. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. He plays his first high school game on September 8th, 1978, and amazes onlookers by scoring a touchdown on his very first play. Its not how long you stay down. A lawsuit filed in May by the Mississippi Department of Human Services alleges Dupree was illegally paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal welfare money that was intended for the state's neediest families. He was picked in the 12th round of the 1986 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, but played. But he didnt give up, and now, hes gone on to become a USWA Professional Wrestler, while also running a sports bar and working in a casino. The documentary chronicles the life of marcus dupree, perhaps the greatest running back ever in high school football. Costing me so much in legal fees that I just said to forget it the team photo and on! Said his office found `` limited evidence '' Dupree said Tuesday period of time marcus signed... 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