The Breakers moved to Portland, Oregon for the 1985 season. Producer: Fragmented Commitments. After four years away from football, he decided to give the NFL a shot in 1990. Instead, he decides to visit Southern Mississippi, believing that the staff there would be more amenable to him than they were in Oklahoma. Dupree said he was not aware the money New had used to pay him had come from misappropriated welfare funds. ',',the man that has a mustache. What has seldom been exaggerated in the stories produced by the marvelous high school career of Marcus Dupree is the scope of his talents. The nonprofit that funneled the money to Dupree went as far as to "guarantee the residence through the bank with a six-year lease from April 1, 2018 through March 31, 2024," according to the state audit. Arizona manages to win, and Switzer laments that if Dupree was in better shape he would have performed phenomenally and led Oklahoma to victory.Switzer goes on television immediately after the game to complain about Duprees performance. Marcus dupree was once the biggest name in the future of football. 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. "That was news to me. Looking back at it all, Dupree regrets leaving Oklahoma. "I was all over the state. 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. He regrets doing so, and recounts that he was burnt out at the time from the goings-on around him. Despite not starting until the seventh game of the season, Dupree finished with 1,144 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns. In August 1983, Dupree snubs Oklahoma by not appearing for the team photograph, but arrives at practice the next day. "I'm getting lumped in with whatever Brett Favre and the governor had going on. I can only speak for Marcus. Dupree first met Fairley during his senior season of high school. "I worked too hard on my reputation to do the right thing and be the right person, and I don't like what's going on. 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. Where Is Bryan Penn-Johnson from Last Chance U Season 2 Now? In hindsight, you keep going back to a statement that Switzer made when Dupree left OU. In 1984, marcus dupree signed with the new orleans breakers of the usfl and had a pretty good season, scoring nine touchdowns. The Los Angeles Rams held his rights after drafting him in the 12th round in 1986. [14] Knox, who had replaced John Robinson earlier that year, had told Dupree and the press that Dupree was not versatile enough for his one-back offense. Marcus Dupree was one of the most heavily recruited high school football stars in American history. In mid-October of 1983, Dupree decides not to return to Oklahoma at all. He reported to campus late, missed the team photo and put on considerable weight. Marcus was featured on a Sports Illustrated cover in 1983 and his incredible running abilities were often the topic of national news broadcasts. The late Reggie White remains one of the greatest linemen to play any brand of football. On October 16, 1982, he ran for 158 yards against Kansas, including a 75-yard touchdown run. 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. Ultimately, the USFL waives its own regulations in order to sign Dupree for the New Orleans Breakers. 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. At Oklahoma, its not fun. Five have pleaded guilty. 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. 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. In 1984, Marcus Dupree signed with the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL and had a pretty good season, scoring nine touchdowns. I know I shouldnt have left [OU], but I still love Oklahoma and I still love watching [the Sooners] play., Today, Dupree goes around speaking, telling his story. My first paycheck was for $42,000. 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. Maurice Carthon. May 28, 2018 at 6:06 am. He has done speaking engagements for Novo Nordisk in the past where he discusses how he manages his Type 2 diabetes. He was named second-team All-American, first-team all-Big Eight Conference and Big Eight Newcomer of the Year. That turns out to be true. First quarter, you may score two touchdowns. I then looked down at my knee and, literally, tore the cast off. His football journey was profiled in a 2010 ESPN 30 for 30 documentary, "The Best That Never Was.". Read on to know more about the footballer-turned-pro wrestler in our Marcus Dupree wiki. Coming back from Christmas break, he was out of shape and 10-15 pounds overweight, for which Switzer publicly criticized him. Marcus Dupree, 1982. Credit: Newscom. 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. Why do you have to check with him? Then it sort of hit me, Yeah, why do I always have to check with Ken if I want my own money?, My mama told Ken to his face one day, I may not be around to see it, but youre gonna get yours one day. I thought about that when that rainbow popped out. In two seasons (1990-91), he rushed 68 times for 251 yards and a touchdown. Ive got grand kids. 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. Ken had gotten my power of attorney. Dupree broke many records in both high school and college. It was the first time the two have communicated since Dupree left the squad. 1n 1985 and 1986, Dupree missed two more years of football with knee injuries he sustained in the USFL. He plays his first high school game on September 8th, 1978, and amazes onlookers by scoring a touchdown on his very first play. It represents the best copy available at this time. But Dupree insists he did mentor teens at his 15-acre horse farm in Flora, Mississippi. "[6], Dupree was heavily recruited by the major college football programs, and during the final month of the recruiting period, his high school coach, Joe Wood, answered more than 100 phone calls a day from colleges. He also played an overbearing dad of a young football player in the film, Life at These Speeds. 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. It would be the best for his family. On Wednesday, Dupree denied wrongdoing in an interview with ESPN. Whether he will find still another NCAA school, transfer to a small college where he can play football this fall, or whether he will turn pro. Be patient and stay with the process.. He uses this as an attempt to make a comeback, and he plays in a game against the Giants on November 11th, 1990, making his official NFL debut. After the first three games of the season, Dupree had just twelve carries for 20 yards and the Sooners' record was 12. Three trades in a chaotic top five, NCAA panel eyes shorter football games in 2023, Ex-Vols staffers agree to show-cause penalties, UNC hires ex-Browns HC Kitchens as assistant, Syracuse QB Shrader to miss spring practice, Sources: Asst. But the one question people always wanted to know: Did Ken Fairley ever go to jail? many of these athletes are flying. Even though that sounded preposterous, he might have hit the nail on the head. Dupree attended Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia, Mississippi, and began his football career as a wide receiver before switching full time to running back as a sophomore. White said his office found "limited evidence" Dupree or anyone else ever delivered those sorts of services to the needy. 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.". He was a sought-after college recruitplaying for Oklahoma and was named Football NewsFreshman of the Year.. He ran for 249 yards in the Fiesta Bowl, despite being overweight and out of shape. Favre has denied wrongdoing. The player maintains that Switzer. All rights reserved. Marcus is thought to live with girlfriend, Kim, and enjoys spending time with his family. Many label him as the greatest running back to ever play college football. Marcus Dupree and OU coach Barry Switzer didnt have the best of relationships. After suffering a concussion in a loss against Texas, he vanished for a week. 57. Meet the Rumored New Head Coach of the Utah Jazz. ", Dupree, 58, grew up in Philadelphia, Mississippi, where his highlight-reel-worthy performances as a high school running back made him the most sought-after football recruit in the country. Meet the Inspiring NFL On-Air Personality, Who Is Will Hardy? As a result, he was given the starting tailback position over Stanley Wilson and was named Big Eight Offensive Player of the Week. According to the lawsuit, from August 2017 to September 2019 Dupree was paid $371,000 from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. The monthly lease payments for the property totaled $9,500, the audit states. He had to leave the game several times, participating in only 34 offensive plays. I was shocked when I heard it. He finished the season with 179 yards on 49 carries with one touchdown, in eight games played. I didn't even know about that, nothing. He recovers and despite his injury manages to perform well for a game against Kansas State. After five and a half years away, he attempted a comeback to the NFL in 1990 with the Los Angeles Rams. But Dupree insists he did mentor teens at his 15-acre horse farm in Flora, Mississippi. The chickens finally came home to roost, Dupree said. Marcus dupree was one of the most exciting college football prospects of all time. The Incredible Story of the Greatest Football Player You've Never Heard Of - Marcus Dupree I've wanted to tell the story of Marcus Dupree for sometime now. On February 12, 1982, Dupree announced he would attend Oklahoma instead of the other finalists, Texas, UCLA, and Southern Miss. One in this series of sports documentaries presented by ESPN about important people and events from 1979 to 2009.This film is about the tumultuous and misfortune-laden career of football player Marcus Dupree. Marcus Dupree was the most heralded recruit of his time. Dupree said he was not aware the money New had used to pay him had come from misappropriated welfare funds. Marcus' younger brother, Reggie, has had serious physical problems since birth. He finished his career with 251 yards on 68 carries during regular season play, for a 3.7 yards-per-carry average, rushing for one touchdown. One of my teachers at Philly High said there was someone she wanted me to meet, Dupree said. Even with these setbacks, he still managed to run for a Fiesta Bowl record 249 yards, a record that still stands today. Dupree had already displayed his supreme athletic prowess while at Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Alleged haircut has NBA fans in a spin. "I don't appreciate being lumped into something like I took money," Dupree said. Marcus dupree was one of the most exciting college football prospects of all time. I did enjoy acting, Dupree said. Those who knew Dupree declare that he is possibly the best running back who ever played football. 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. Is Larry Elder Related to the Late Golf Legend, Lee Elder. The statement read in part: "I am deeply concerned that something like this always seems to occur during our recruiting season and I definitely worry about its impact on our recruiting efforts.". All rights reserved. Effective 2009 July 1, Reggie Dupre became director of levees for Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana.. At the time of his selection by the Levee Board, Reggie Dupre was a Democratic state senator for District 20 (Houma area), to which he was first elected in a special election in . "I advised Marcus to stay in school . He had many obstacles in his football career and made him a stronger person. Some of the unfortunate ones were too small. Whatever happened to Marcus Dupree? Once he recovered, he signed with the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL, but once again, suffered an injury and had to sit out for the first seven games. "[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. Dupree was placed on injured reserve, meaning he would have to sit out for four weeks before he could play for the Rams.[12]. Dupree, the film notes early on, earned the respect, and even the awe, of everyone who saw him play, including the deputy sheriff linked to the murders, Cecil Ray Price (in 1967, despite the. Dupree said negative press involving Favre in recent months has damaged his own reputation. In the middle of his freshman season with the Sooners, he broke out with a 158-yard effort against Kansas and got stronger from there. Its not how long you stay down. That was wrong. But not me. 2023 www.clarionledger.com. The five-bedroom, 4,100-square-foot home is valued at just over $1 million, according to the real estate website Zillow. His little brother Reggie was disabled and was unable to run or do activities like marcus or other kids. ). In two unimpressive seasons with the Rams, he scored one touchdown and had just 68 rushing attempts. He is an actor and producer, known for Fragmented Commitments, Mississippi Scholar and Enterfear: The Next Wave (2022). He had two 100-yard rushing games. . They're the ones who didn't achieve NFL success for reasons of circumstance. He said he was trying to put together an advisory unit to help black athletes. Hopefully, Ill have a couple of more (movies) coming up pretty soon. According to the lawsuit, from August 2017 to September 2019 Dupree was paid $371,000 from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. Speaking about his injuries, Dupree said:Thats the injury that eventually forced me out of football. Breakers fans saw him as a local boy made good; the Superdome was packed with large crowds by USFL standards.[10]. 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. Where is Michael Oher now, is he still playing football in 2023? Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. "I worked too hard on my reputation to do the right thing and be the right person, and I don't like what's going on. [Clarion-Ledger] On March 13, 2020, an article in the Jackson Mississippi newspaper Clarion-Ledger identified $104,974 in allegedly misappropriated TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) that was paid to Dupree for his role as a spokesperson for the charity Families First. "Since the announcement was made that Marcus was leaving school, a number of pro teams have inquired," Fairley said. He also has a grandson. If marcus duprees story was a fairy tale, it would read like this: Dupree was the center of the most heated recruiting frenzy in. I signed a contract and I did my job," Dupree said. The entire team, and by extension the town, takes pride in Duprees accomplishments and abilities; some recount that his presence helped bring townsfolk of all different races together to the stands for a common purpose, something unthinkable at the time of Duprees birth.Dupree attends a high school football game taking place on September 4th, 2009. However, after a federal judge ruled that the eligibility rule violated antitrust law, the Breakerswho had just moved from Bostonquickly persuaded the New Jersey Generals to give up their territorial rights to Dupree (OU was among the Generals' territorial schools) in return for their first-round pick in the 1985 USFL Draft. who was 'jumping up and down and cheering as hard as anyone ain't that a kick in the pants?' He later found to have had a role in the Mississippi welfare funds scandal. In spite of this, Switzer still puts Dupree on the field and he manages to penetrate Arizonas defense, although the effort takes a toll on him physically. He was picked in the 12th round of the 1986 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, but played. What did Marcus Dupree . However, he would never play another down for the Breakers. He is not sure of his plans at this time, but it is obvious he will not be playing football at U.S.M.. Fairley, 62, faces up to 25 years in prison. 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. Marcus Dupree. Dupree does his best to keep in shape, and in early 1984 decides to leave Southern Mississippi in order to sign with the USFL. He still wears his OU number 22 jersey when making special appearances for Crowbar Championship Wrasslin in Oklahoma. Such was the case with Marcus Dupree, a star running back who lit the college football scene on fire as a freshman in 1982.. And soon after, Dupree decided to retire. Ken Fairley, a friend of the family, was quoted on Tuesday saying Dupree wanted to play "college football" in '84. Yes, you read that right; hes wearing No. . Throughout the year, he was injured and often was on the bench watching Buford Jordan take his carries. To date, six people have been indicted in the pending welfare fraud case. [4] In 1981, Marcus's final high school football game was played on the Choctaw Indian Reservation's tribal high school's Warriors Stadium. Now 52, the former heralded football recruit, whose career tragically vanished almost within no time, has now set foot in thepro-wrestlingring! For several days thereafter, his whereabouts are unknown even to his mother. Five have pleaded guilty. His remarkable achievements throughout Philadelphia and Mississippi even inspired a writer named . 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