The media interprets this as Switzer blaming the loss at the Fiesta Bowl on Dupree. Earlier in 2011, he was running a pro wrestling promotion organization, called Mid South Wrestling. I can't wait until we go to court. He said he preferred running backs who "were a little more well-rounded, could catch the ball coming out of the backfield and could do some of the other things besides run with the football."[15]. "I have a lawyer, and I'm just waiting to see how it all pans out," Dupree said. In April that year, he asked his former USFL coach, Dick Coury, then the quarterbacks coach for the Rams, if he could work out for the team if he got into shape, and impressed Coury and head coach John Robinson enough to earn a contract. Dupree leads his team to the Fiesta Bowl on New Years Day of 1983 against Arizona. Alleged haircut has NBA fans in a spin. As a sophomore, he rushed for 1,850 yards and 28 touchdowns, making it look easy. The Oklahoma coach, by issuing a statement, simply acted to protect himself and to protect his team's future. Dupree said he wasnt having much fun. As a junior in 1980, he rushed for 2,550 yards and scored 34 touchdowns (25 rushing, 9 by kick return). I didn't even know about that, nothing. A Mississippi Department of Human Services initiative called Families First for Mississippi, run by two nonprofits, illegally funneled the federal welfare money to Dupree, the lawsuit states, in exchange for his work as a "celebrity endorser" and "motivational speaker.". In three seasons under head coach Joe Wood, Dupree rushed for 7,355 rushing yards (8.3 yards per carry) and scored 87 touchdowns, breaking by one the national record held at the time by Herschel Walker. [5] Author Willie Morris described the audience at Dupree's final high school game as "the most distinctive crowds I had ever seen four thousand or so people seemed almost an equal of mix of whites, blacks, and Indians After Marcus scored his touchdown, Sid Salter saw Cecil Price Sr. (who was linked with the murders of Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner in Philadelphia, Miss.) During week nine of the 1990 season, Dupree made his first appearance and rushed for 22 yards on four carries, wearing number 34 in honor of Payton instead of his usual 22. Among those who were issued demands to return funds are Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre, former professional football player Marcus Dupree and former professional wrestler Ted Dibiase Sr. 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. Follow@BillyWatkins11 on Twitter. He gained 684 yards on 145 carries with nine touchdowns for a 4.7 yards per carry average. After five and a half years away, he attempted a comeback to the NFL in 1990 with the Los Angeles Rams. Switzer wishes to avoid playing favorite and becomes known for criticizing elements of Duprees play style. 22 for the Crowbar Championship Wrasslin (CCW). Ive got grand kids. Dupree had already displayed his supreme athletic prowess while at Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia, Mississippi. On April 13, 2018, Dupree's foundation purchased the horse farm and residence in Flora where Dupree lives for $855,000. 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.". 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. It never reached the point that Dupree asked if he might be welcomed if he wanted to return to OU to play in the fall, though it turns out he would be athletically eligible if he could become scholastically eligible. His football journey was profiled in a 2010 ESPN 30 for 30 documentary, "The Best That Never Was.". many of these athletes are flying. Alumni List. Coming back from Christmas break, he was out of shape and 1015 pounds overweight, for which Switzer publicly criticized him. "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. To date, six people have been indicted in the pending welfare fraud case. On the front porch at 274 Davis Street one recent afternoon sits Marcus Dupree, sophomore tailback at the University of Oklahoma, blowing up and then popping his bubble gum. He is enthusiastically welcomed by the team and appreciates the attention he receives by them and the fans. He hastily issued a statement through the sports publicity office at the University of Oklahoma that said, in effect, Marcus Dupree will not be back to play football for the Sooners. He recounts his childhood, mostly spent playing football with other neighborhood kids. Last Name: Ricky Adams 1977-1981. He had to leave the game several times, participating in only 34 offensive plays. helped Favre abuse welfare funds, Winner: 2013 Peabody Award; 2011 Edward R. Murrow Award/Video Investigative Reporting, Covers breaking news, investigative pieces and human interest features. 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. After he was released by the Rams, Dupree performed as a professional wrestler for the USWA in 1995. However, he would never play another down for the Breakers. He appeared headed for a long career in the National Football League. In October 2021, Dupree's lawyer, J. Matthew Eichelberger, sent a sharply worded letter to White. He had two 100-yard rushing games. And soon after, Dupree decided to retire. Although Dupree was big at 6' 2", 225 lbs., he was deceptively fast, agile and tough. He is carried off the field in a stretcher. ", "Marcus Dupree's doc; Howard Stern's most wanted sports guests", "Twenty years after leaving OU,'people still remember me', "PRO FOOTBALL; Dupree Is Taken by Surprise as Rams Let Rusher Go", "EXPLAINER: Favre, other sports figures in welfare fraud case", "Marcus Dupree's documentary; Howard Stern's most wanted sports guests", College and Pro Statistics @ totalfootballstats.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Marcus_Dupree&oldid=1140304379. Dupree feels ostracized by Switzer, and others believe that Switzers attitude is unnecessary. Marcus played spring football for the Golden Eagles and finished college at the university. 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. Many label him as the greatest running back to ever play college football. All 3 counts., And at that exact moment, a rainbow popped out of nowhere, Dupree said Tuesday. A 6-foot-2, 225-pounder who was once clocked at 4.29 in a 40-yard dash, he toyed with high school defenders. 53. He starred for the Memphis Showboats. White told ESPN such purchases "would be unallowable because of the prohibition against purchasing real property with TANF funds." Marcus is thought to live with girlfriend, Kim, and enjoys spending time with his family. What happened to Marcus Dupree? Marcus L. Dupree (born May 22, 1964) is a former American football player. Marcus was featured on a Sports Illustrated cover in 1983 and his incredible running abilities were often the topic of national news broadcasts. 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. Few athletes have been blessed with the size, power and speed of Dupree. The superstar that he did not become and the man he is today are the subject of a new documentary airing Tuesday on ESPN. Dupree's defection after the Texas game last October doomed the '83 OU season to mediocrity, and the slightest hint that he might return for '84 could have a devastating effect on the high school players the Sooners are trying to recruit for next season. 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. Connelly's Conference USA preview: How will four newcomers fit in? 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. 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. Five have pleaded guilty. 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. Marcus Dupree was born on the 22nd of May, 1964. 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. Dupree attended Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia, Mississippi, where he played for the Philadelphia Tornadoes high school football team from 1978 to 1981. Here's what happened to football player Marcus Dupree and where he is now, in 2023. Id only met him that one time.. When Dupree was questioned about his wrestling career, he said,I just like to make people happy. But not me. He has done speaking engagements for Novo Nordisk in the past where he discusses how he manages his Type 2 diabetes. [10], He scored a touchdown on his first professional possession. A missing persons report is filed, and the FBI launches a search for him. He ran for 249 yards in the Fiesta Bowl, despite being overweight and out of shape. ). [7] Dupree scored his first college touchdown against Texas on a 63-yard fake reverse. On January 1, 1983, Dupree's freshman season ended with a 32-21 Fiesta Bowl loss against Arizona State. Everybody around me was sad when I was released, he said. By the time he is in eighth grade, Dupree is already renowned throughout the school district for his prowess, and he is recruited to the high school team early. Coach Switzer says I dont practice that well. The ramifications of these events last for many years after they transpired. However, he is not bothered by the decision, feeling that he accomplished what he set out to do. He got off to a good start, rushing 69 yards on 17 carries with a touchdown. Man if she was here today I cant even imagine what Cella Ruth would be saying. I signed a contract and I did my job," Dupree said. He played for the Breakers for two seasons before a knee injury forced him to leave the game. 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. Dupree left USM after realizing he wouldnt be able to play football until the 1985 season due to NCAA transfer rules. In 1984, he joined the United States Football League and signed with the New Orleans Breakers. He said he was trying to put together an advisory unit to help black athletes. First quarter, you may score two touchdowns. 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.". "[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. It was in 1985, Dupree earned the starting position for the season opener against the Arizona Outlaws, during which he suffered that knee injury that ended his career with the USFL. Dupree's much-anticipated sophomore season did not turn out as planned. Even at a young age, he is noticed by his peers for his speed and strength. Make no mistake: Mr. Dupree earned the money he was paid, and he never had any reason to believe the money was being improperly spent by state officials," Eichelberger wrote. Marcus Duprees net worth has beenestimatedat $10,000, according to sources. 2023 www.clarionledger.com. 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. Dupree finished the season with 1,144 rushing yards, averaging 7.8 yards per carry. He is an actor and producer, known for fragmented. Even with these setbacks, he still managed to run for a Fiesta Bowl record 249 yards, a record that still stands today. I can now answer 'yes' to that question, Dupree said. 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. Yes, you read that right; hes wearing No. What has seldom been exaggerated in the stories produced by the marvelous high school career of Marcus Dupree is the scope of his talents. These and other payments are now under criminal investigation. Bornon May 22, 1964, Marcus Dupree grew up in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Maurice Carthon. However, he goes on to Oklahoma and is coached by Barry Switzer, who instantly recognizes Duprees talent and skill. Feb 14, 2009. In 1984, marcus dupree signed with the new orleans breakers of the usfl and had a pretty good season, scoring nine touchdowns. But he decided in Dupree's case that he had done all he could for Marcus. Im just waiting on them to give me a call.. In 1984, Marcus Dupree signed with the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL and had a pretty good season, scoring nine touchdowns. In his second year with the team, which moved to Portland Oregon in 1985, he suffered a devastating knee injury, which all but ended his career. Today, Marcus is a 46-year-old part-time truck driver, struggling to get . "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. His second and final season in the usfl was. One of my teachers at Philly High said there was someone she wanted me to meet, Dupree said. What Happened To Marcus Dupree Brother Reggieazusa Pacific University Softball Division. But I think that rainbow let me know that she heard the news and shes mighty happy that, finally. "I'm getting lumped in with whatever Brett Favre and the governor had going on. Marcus Dupree was one of the most heavily recruited high school football stars in American history. [16], Dupree has three sons, Marquez, Landon and Rashad. He is an actor and producer, known for fragmented. Did that mean Marcus is now more interested in beginning a professional career? I was shocked when I heard it. Dupree's defection after the Texas game last October doomed the '83 OU season to mediocrity, and the slightest hint that he might return for '84 could have a devastating effect on the high school players the Sooners are trying to recruit for next season. That turns out to be true. He is carried off the field in a stretcher. It was a major career threatening blow out . Sadly, he was cut from the team as his coach, Chuck Knox, thought his performance wasnt up to the mark. There is no doubting the Sooners got a black eye over this. He feels an extra twinge of regret when the 1985 Oklahoma college team goes on to win the national championship.In the present-day, Dupree visits the house that once belonged to his deceased mother, combing through his old trophies and possessions. We help them (and their families) travel through the college recruiting process with confidence and a peace of mind, he says of the company. 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. "Since the announcement was made that Marcus was leaving school, a number of pro teams have inquired," Fairley said. Marcus dupree was one of the most exciting college football prospects of all time. Fairley, 62, faces up to 25 years in prison. According to an audit conducted by White's office, $171,000 in TANF money was used as the down payment toward Dupree's home and surrounding property. Dupree started his career with reynir sandgeri in the 1. In October 1990, Dupree signed with the Los Angeles Rams, who had drafted him in 1986 in case he became fit again,[11] after a five-and-a-half-year absence from the football field. The circumstances surrounding Duprees departure from football takes a tremendous physical and emotional toll on him, and at the age of 23 he is described as being like an old man. Around 1989, Dupree comes to believe that he might be able to play football again and begins an intense training regimen, dropping over 100 pounds in the space of a few months. "[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. The monthly lease payments for the property totaled $9,500, the audit states. He is also a fan of wrestling, giving it a go full-time in the mid-1990s. It would be best for him. I just looked at him asanother guy trying to get me to sign with his school. What happened to marcus dupree little brother? 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. Dupree wasn't attending classes at OU and now he's quit school again. Neal Estano Leaving WNYT: Where Is the New York Meteorologist Going? At this moment, it is the most logical guess. Dupree said he has no intention of paying the state back, as White's office has demanded. "Neither Mr. Dupree, nor his foundation, will be making any payment in response to your demand. One relative, his uncle Curlee, is offered jobs and money by various coaches, and feels that he cannot ignore such offers. 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. Marcus Dupree, 1982. Credit: Newscom. Also on the porch. This latest chapter of the Marcus Dupree Story is certainly another strange twist. 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. 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