Three with Eagles ties implicated in Miami probe
Philly.com, Inquirer, and Daily News coverage of the Eagles
Three with Eagles ties implicated in Miami probe
Daily News staff
If you have not had a chance to read the excellent and thorough investigative reporting done by Charles Robinson and the Yahoo Sports team about the University of Miami football program, you should.
Among those players are current Eagles defensive tackle Antonio Dixon and former Eagles first-round pick Jerome McDougle.
The benefits that Shapiro alleges to have provided Dixon are relatively minor compared to some of his teammates. According to the report, on at least two occasions Shapiro paid for VIP access and drinks at nightclubs for Dixon and Dixon attended a dinner at Miami Beach eatery Grazie prior to the 2006 season. Seven other players attended the dinner, which credit card records show cost $926.50.
Dixon did not respond to phone or Facebook messages left by Yahoo.
McDougle was a star player for the Hurricanes during his two seasons, including 14 sacks in 2002. He was selected in the first round, 15th overall, by the Eagles in 2003. After a star-crossed career with injuries and being shot during a robbery, McDougle is out of football.
According to the report, Shapiro bought a television from BrandsMart USA for an apartment shared by McDougle, Cornelius Green and Andrew Williams at a cost of $700; provided McDougle with drinks and VIP access in nightclubs; some cash; food, drinks and entertainment in the booster's $2.7 million home.
McDougle did not respond to messages left by Yahoo.
UPDATE: We erred earlier in not including rookie free agent running back Craig Cooper, who finished third all-time on Miami's all-purpose yards list.
Shapiro claims that Cooper received lodging on Shapiro’s $1.6 million yacht for four days in January 2007; food, drinks and entertainment at Lucky Strike Lanes in January 2007; and transportation in Shapiro’s car. Cooper did not respond to Yahoo for comment.
A number of other players who briefly were with the Eagles also are included in the report.
Nobody cares about NCAA regs except the NCAA. The fans just want to see the games, the players just want to complete the eligibilty so they can get to the NFL. Most don't get there , nor does the college normally give them the degree, so basically all they're getting is the right to play for the fooball team , plus room and board, tuition only means something if you get the sheepskin. Basically they get what a player gets in a NFL training camp that doesn't have a long term contract , like a rookie FA. The NCAA gets more from these guys than they give them; for example, these kids shouldn't have to beg for 100 bucks to go home for their father's funeral( if the coach just gives it to them,it's a violation). I guarantee that Dixon doesn't feel bad about having a night out in a restaurant 5 years ago, nor should he.— drbob1- Never a problem finding blowhard eagles fans supporting criminal behavior on here.— ej610
Comment removed.- You either pay all students athletes or get rid of restrictions that don't allow all highschool seniors go pro in professional sports. Kids who go to school for let say finance can get a job in their fields, go to strip clubs, go on drunking binge, and receive money from whom ever they want while being enrolled in school. But,if you play sports some how you're not allowed to do so. But if my only goal is to play professionally, living in the MTV era where hot girls and making money like my idol is available to me. Who wouldn't do so. You can be from the city or burbs and still would be enticed. — cdavis27
- Isn't there anyone left who knows that a college education has value? Of course, it helps a little if you're able to read.— 2smart4philly
- hmmm......here's an idea. Not only allow it but encourage it. i.e. Dixon got a night out in a club and a dinner another night. Sounds criminal to me... NOT. In most cases it's rich boosters and/or rich alumni spending the money. You're dreaming if you think this type of behavior only happens with athletes.— bleedgreen
- If the NCAA really cared, all you need to do is look at the cars the players drive. I went to Miami when Russell Maryland was there and Warren Sapp was there. These guys were driving $60,000 cars. Even better were the people who would go to class and take notes for them!
Go Canes!— djack10
