An investigation by Mississippi Today was the first to reveal that the nonprofits that paid Dupree and others either misspent or stole at least $77 million in welfare funds in what's considered the worst public corruption case in state history. The San Francisco 49ers brought Dupree into training camp in 1992 to play fullback, a position he had never played. 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. White told ESPN such purchases "would be unallowable because of the prohibition against purchasing real property with TANF funds." He reported to campus late, missed the team photo and put on considerable weight. It is around this time that Dupree is born, and as a child he dreams of becoming a football player. He never actually touched the field for the Golden Eagles. A missing persons report is filed, and the FBI launches a search for him. At one point in the game he suffers a terrible concussion from a tackle and is sidelined for the remainder of the game. Where is Michael Oher now, is he still playing football in 2023? There are few college coaches in America with a more forgiving heart than Switzer. Why Jimbo Fisher, Quinn Ewers and USC all have plenty to prove in 2023, Five big college football questions to answer this offseason. He was big, fast, and strong with incredible football instincts. 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. He starred for the Memphis Showboats. It's been a while since a "30 for 30" film got a two-hour running time (most had to come in at an hour, and a handful got an hour and a half to two hours), and "The Best That Never Was . Its how you handle adversity. If there was anyone in the history of . He is also a fan of wrestling, giving it a go full-time in the mid-1990s. According to the lawsuit, from August 2017 to September 2019 Dupree was paid $371,000 from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. "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. Dupree returned to professional football in 1990. . The late Reggie White remains one of the greatest linemen to play any brand of football. Meet the Rumored New Head Coach of the Utah Jazz. Although Switzer was known for running a loose ship, Dupree's lackadaisical attitude was too much for him, and he called Dupree "lazy. White said his office found "limited evidence" Dupree or anyone else ever delivered those sorts of services to the needy. Marcus Dupree's age is 58. Dupree started his career with reynir sandgeri in the 1. Marcus dupree was once the biggest name in the future of football. After Dupree had been out of football for four years, he met with Walter Payton on some business ventures and Payton urged him to get back into shape to try out for the NFL again in 1990. Switzer was on Dupree about his weight and sometimes called him out for being lazy. The superstar that he did not become and the man he is today are the subject of a new documentary airing Tuesday on ESPN. According to the lawsuit, from August 2017 to September 2019 Dupree was paid $371,000 from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. Many of the things that have happened to him weren't necessarily because he had no regard for others. 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. Dupree signed with the USFL, playing for the New Orleans Breakers. But you'll also find a select few individuals who had all the tools. He is plagued by anxiety, and on February 25th, 1985, Dupree suffers a terrible knee injury during his starting game. Ultimately the knee injury prevented him from making enough of an impact and he was released by the Rams after the 91 season. Last Name: Ricky Adams 1977-1981. 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. Marcus dupree was one of the most exciting college football prospects of all time. Host . Unfortunately, this is how his career as a footballer ended. 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. He is taken out of a number of games, but starts the next season. If she's now ill, life has to be doubly tough and would seem to leave Marcus with no choice but to turn pro. Be patient and stay with the process.. In 1984, Marcus Dupree signed with the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL and had a pretty good season, scoring nine touchdowns. Most of the parents just wanted them to be around me. 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. Dupree started his career with reynir sandgeri in the 1. Not much is known about his personal life except that he has three sonsMarquez, Landon, and Rashad. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. "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. However, he did not play college football again until 1985 after the NCAA ruled that. It should be apparent to even the most casual observer that Switzer has done all he can for Dupree. I can't wait until we go to court. 53. "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. She kept saying, Something aint right about that guy. As usual, my grandmother proved to be right again.. The father of pistol conner, marcus. Im just living. It would be best for him. The USFL is skeptical of this arrangement, and Duprees agents try to sway them with the illusion that he is being considered by the NFL, despite their rules making it extremely unlikely that they would do so. If marcus duprees story was a fairy tale, it would read like this: Dupree was the center of the most heated recruiting frenzy in. That turns out to be true. What happened to marcus dupree little brother? His remarkable achievements throughout Philadelphia and Mississippi even inspired a writer named . He had two 100-yard rushing games. It is declared that he will never play again, and the money he made with the Breakers soon evaporates, particularly after a series of lawsuits concerning bad loans that Fairley took out. White said his office found "limited evidence" Dupree or anyone else ever delivered those sorts of services to the needy. If you look at the evidence, it seems clear the best thing Dupree can do is go pro. 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. A 30 for 30 documentary on Duprees life The Best There Never Was aired on ESPN in 2010. After that, he started acting like he knew me and that we were friends. On April 13, 2018, Dupree's foundation purchased the horse farm and residence in Flora where Dupree lives for $855,000. Yes, you read that right; hes wearing No. The NCAA ruled that Dupree would have to miss one full season after transferring, meaning he would have to miss the rest of the 1983 season and all of 1984. The monthly lease payments for the property totaled $9,500, the audit states. In an Oklahoma uniform of sorts yet again, this time around Marcus Dupree isnt playing football or gunning for the Heisman trophy. The problem is, its not like high school when Coach (Joe) Wood made it fun. Many label him as the greatest running back to ever play college football. 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. He was never the same. So we drove to Forest and met Ken Fairley. Dupree feels ostracized by Switzer, and others believe that Switzers attitude is unnecessary. I just looked at him asanother guy trying to get me to sign with his school. Dupree scored 87 touchdowns total during his playing time in high school, breaking the national high school record (set by Herschel Walker) by one. Dupree sues Fairley in an attempt to recover some of his money. Switzer wishes to avoid playing favorite and becomes known for criticizing elements of Duprees play style. He plays his first high school game on September 8th, 1978, and amazes onlookers by scoring a touchdown on his very first play. [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. At this moment, it is the most logical guess. 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 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. All rights reserved. It would be the best for his family. In his senior year, he eclipsed Herschel Walkers national high school career touchdown record when he collected 36, giving him a total of 81. This incident serves to escalate the tension between Dupree and Switzer. He views old footage of his high school games and visits the field where they took place, becoming emotional about the death of his mother, who passed away in 2004. [10], He scored a touchdown on his first professional possession. Earlier in 2011, he was running a pro wrestling promotion organization, called Mid South Wrestling. [16], Dupree has three sons, Marquez, Landon and Rashad. While finishing college at the university, he played spring football for the Golden Eagles. Is Najee Harris Related to Pittsburgh Steelers Legend, Franco Harris? He finished the season with 179 yards on 49 carries with one touchdown, in eight games played. "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. All 3 counts., And at that exact moment, a rainbow popped out of nowhere, Dupree said Tuesday. "But I learned today that Marcus' mother may be ill," said Switzer. Dupree finished the season with 1,144 rushing yards, averaging 7.8 yards per carry. Dupree said he has no intention of paying the state back, as White's office has demanded. However, his career went awry soon after leaving the University of Oklahoma in 1983. 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. It resurrected his popularity. I first heard about his legend a few years back and I've found it to be utterly captivating and fascinating. 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. But my grandmother told me from the start that she didnt like Ken and didnt trust him. This change in play style pays off, as Dupree utilizes it to achieve touchdowns. As a senior in 1981, he rushed for 2,955 yards and scored 36 touchdowns. Tamana Ali-bey 1964-1968. 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. Marc Connolly from ABC Sports Online, aptly said, For everyMarcus Allen,Barry SandersorEmmitt Smith, theres anAnthony Thompson, aPaul Palmerand aLeShon Johnson, guys who never matched their college success in the NFL. He has always been willing to offer a second chance. Marcus Dupree, who rose to fame in Mississippi and beyond after a brief but impressive football career that became the subject of an ESPN documentary, is speaking out about his alleged role in a sprawling welfare fraud case that has also entangled Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Brett Favre and dozens of others. He was named second-team All-American, first-team all-Big Eight Conference and Big Eight Newcomer of the Year. 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. Dupree said he wasnt having much fun. Dupree also has a business, Marcus Dupree MVP College Recruiting & Consulting, which helps guide budding athletes through high school. Did that mean Marcus is now more interested in beginning a professional career? "I have a lawyer, and I'm just waiting to see how it all pans out," Dupree said. Dupree agreed and began working out, losing 100 pounds in just over three months and going back to running a 4.3 40-yard dash. Darnell Anderson 1976-1980. I wish (Barry Switzer) would have treated me a little bit better, Dupree told OU Daily in 2010. Follow@BillyWatkins11 on Twitter. He had surgery on the knee and recuperated in Portland, celebrating his 21st birthday with friends and teammates. After taking a week off, Dupree surprisingly announced he was leaving Oklahoma and would be enrolling at Southern Mississippi. We help them (and their families) travel through the college recruiting process with confidence and a peace of mind, he says of the company. [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]. I think Ill play this year, but it could be my last. He left Oklahoma at mid-season. Dupree equates life to a football game and hes preaching something he didnt do while he was at Oklahoma. Dupree does his best to keep in shape, and in early 1984 decides to leave Southern Mississippi in order to sign with the USFL. As a junior in 1980, he rushed for 2,550 yards and scored 34 touchdowns (25 rushing, 9 by kick return). Marcus Dupree was once the biggest name in the future of football. My dreams were over.. 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. Even though that sounded preposterous, he might have hit the nail on the head. What did Marcus Dupree . 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. Others were just a step too slow., Connolly continued, But youll also find a select few individuals who had all the tools. When Dupree was questioned about his wrestling career, he said,I just like to make people happy. Also on the porch. His efforts work to reverse Oklahomas losing streak, earning him numerous accolades and great notoriety. We do the wrestling events to see kids cheer and see kids faces smile to it like I did when I was younger.. I was still being recruited by schools from all over the country. Did Steph Curry go bald? There was such a lack of communication. He joined the United States Football League the following season and signed with the New Orleans Breakers in 1984. By: Aliya Khan - Published: October 18, 2017 at 12:56 pm | Last Updated: Oklahoma assistant coach Lucious Selmon spent six weeks in the Downtown Motor Inn in Philadelphia,[7] and after Dupree verbally committed to Fred Akers and the Texas Longhorns while on his visit there, OU head coach Barry Switzer sent former Oklahoma Sooner and Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims to the town by private plane to appeal to Dupree. 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. After his freshman season at the University of Oklahoma, Marcus Dupree was on pace to become one of the all-time great college football running backs. The documentary chronicles the life of marcus dupree, perhaps the greatest running back ever in high school football. Ken Fairley, a friend of the family, was quoted on Tuesday saying Dupree wanted to play "college football" in '84. He also ran a sports bar and worked as a casino-greeter for a short period of time. In October 2021, Dupree's lawyer, J. Matthew Eichelberger, sent a sharply worded letter to White. He also has a grandson. 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. 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. 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. Oklahoma sends several of its alumni, at that time celebrated NFL players, to Mississippi to speak to Dupree. This latest chapter of the Marcus Dupree Story is certainly another strange twist. I had the impression before I went to Oklahoma from just watching Coach Switzer on TV, Dupree told Sports Illustrated in 1983, that hes a hard guy and that he treats his players hard. 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. Even with these setbacks, he still managed to run for a Fiesta Bowl record 249 yards, a record that still stands today. Dupree broke many records in both high school and college. Commercials deleted. It's the story of Marcus Dupree, who was one of the most famously recruited high school football players of his generation. 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