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. 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. In 1984, marcus dupree signed with the new orleans breakers of the usfl and had a pretty good season, scoring nine touchdowns. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Why Jimbo Fisher, Quinn Ewers and USC all have plenty to prove in 2023, Five big college football questions to answer this offseason. Reginald Paul Dupre (pronounced du-PRAY) was born 1957 in Bourg, Louisiana, to Alida D. Naquin and Reggie Dupre Sr. Marcus Dupree is in an Oklahoma uniform of sorts again. 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. White said his office found "limited evidence" Dupree or anyone else ever delivered those sorts of services to the needy. It turns out that Marcus indeed called Switzer before he left the Southern Miss campus. In 2023, Marcus Dupree is a motivational and inspirational speaker who travels doing speaking engagements. 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. White told ESPN such purchases "would be unallowable because of the prohibition against purchasing real property with TANF funds." Dupree's much-anticipated sophomore season did not turn out as planned. During his post-playing days, Dupree maintained local-celebrity status within his home state, frequently appearing at public functions or events staged through his foundation. I never saw a cent of that. Were all going to have ups and downs. In two seasons (1990-91), he rushed 68 times for 251 yards and a touchdown. While finishing college at the university, he played spring football for the Golden Eagles. 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. Id only met him that one time.. Marcus has had difficulty coping with the fact he cannot play college football until 1985 and has talked of the possibility of playing professional football, Jim Carmody, Southern Mississippis head coach, said in a New York Times article in 1984. 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. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. . In his autobiography, Switzer devoted an entire chapter to Dupree, saying he regretted not getting to know him better. ", 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. It was costing me so much in legal fees that I just said to forget it. D. "I don't appreciate being lumped into something like I took money," Dupree said. He plays his first high school game on September 8th, 1978, and amazes onlookers by scoring a touchdown on his very first play. He appeared headed for a long career in the National Football League. "I have a lawyer, and I'm just waiting to see how it all pans out," Dupree said. That was unfair. Sentencing is set for Dec. 19. Marcus Dupree. Dupree said he has no intention of paying the state back, as White's office has demanded. As a result, he was given the starting tailback position over Stanley Wilson and was named Big Eight Offensive Player of the Week. He left in the middle of his sophomore season and briefly attended the University of Southern Mississippi. Dupree told Barr he "was shocked" to learn Nancy New, head of one of the non-profits in charge of Families First, pleaded guilty to federal and state bribery and fraud charges earlier this year. I don't know what Brett did. He enjoys the experience, and feels that he finally got some vindication after years of suffering. A missing persons report is filed, and the FBI launches a search for him. Dupree had not been a product of the Oklahoma system. Coach Switzer says I dont practice that well. "I was all over the state. Life, to me, is like a football game. One relative, his uncle Curlee, is offered jobs and money by various coaches, and feels that he cannot ignore such offers. 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.". List Of A Song For My Brother Piano Sheet 2022 . Ive got grand kids. It would be the best for his family. Dupree's mother was supporting the family by herself on the salary of a school teacher. If there was anyone in the history of . He is an actor and producer, known for Fragmented Commitments, Mississippi Scholar and Enterfear: The Next Wave (2022). ", 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. I didn't even know about that, nothing. Returning in week 8, he played more often and scored his only NFL touchdown that year. Their conversation was cordial, direct, but brief. The monthly lease payments for the property totaled $9,500, the audit states. Switzer wishes to avoid playing favorite and becomes known for criticizing elements of Duprees play style. Earl Campbell was the only other guy I ever saw who was like thatphysically ready, as a true freshman, to be the best player on a great college team. Dupree said he wasnt having much fun. Dupree and head coach Barry Switzer were at odds. Alleged haircut has NBA fans in a spin. To date, six people have been indicted in the pending welfare fraud case. Dupree finished the season with 1,144 rushing yards, averaging 7.8 yards per carry. He had to leave the game several times, participating in only 34 offensive plays. 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. He was a sought-after college recruitplaying for Oklahoma and was named Football NewsFreshman of the Year.. He plays with the Rams and leads in rushing until 1992, when he is cut from the team. Marcus Dupree made a name in the 1982 OU-Texas game, but ended his Sooner career with a disappointing performance a year later. Favre has denied wrongdoing. "I have a lawyer, and I'm just waiting to see how it all pans out," Dupree said. Did that mean Marcus is now more interested in beginning a professional career? If marcus duprees story was a fairy tale, it would read like this: Dupree was the center of the most heated recruiting frenzy in. 2023 www.clarionledger.com. The media interprets this as Switzer blaming the loss at the Fiesta Bowl on Dupree. The ramifications of these events last for many years after they transpired. My dreams were over.. However, he did not play college football again until 1985 after the NCAA ruled that Dupree would have to miss one full season after transferring. Dupree does his best to keep in shape, and in early 1984 decides to leave Southern Mississippi in order to sign with the USFL. 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. 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. It's the story of Marcus Dupree, who was one of the most famously recruited high school football players of his generation. White said his office found "limited evidence" Dupree or anyone else ever delivered those sorts of services to the needy. Dupree attended Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia, Mississippi, where he played for the Philadelphia Tornadoes high school football team from 1978 to 1981. Marcus was featured on a Sports Illustrated cover in 1983 and his incredible running abilities were often the topic of national news broadcasts. I did enjoy acting, Dupree said. 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. However, his relationship with Switzer became increasingly strained. Marcus Dupree was a national star as a freshman running back at the University of Oklahoma in 1982. The Oklahoma coach, by issuing a statement, simply acted to protect himself and to protect his team's future. Bornon May 22, 1964, Marcus Dupree grew up in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Its how you handle adversity. There was such a lack of communication. It is around this time that Dupree is born, and as a child he dreams of becoming a football player. There are few college coaches in America with a more forgiving heart than Switzer. Have something to tell us about this article? What happened to Marcus Dupree? Fairley was by his side during the process. Speaking about his injuries, Dupree said:Thats the injury that eventually forced me out of football. 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. Marcus Dupree was born on the 22nd of May, 1964. Of course, you dont make up that kind of money.. As a junior in 1980, he rushed for 2,550 yards and scored 34 touchdowns (25 rushing, 9 by kick return). 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. He couldnt play college football again until 1985. Marcus Dupree watched the Super Bowl last Sunday in the place where he grew up, the town of Philadelphia, Mississippi. If she's now ill, life has to be doubly tough and would seem to leave Marcus with no choice but to turn pro. Can the Lions fix their defense? 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. All rights reserved. His second and final season in the USFL was short-lived after sustaining a severe knee injury. The father of pistol conner, marcus. He had many obstacles in his football career and made him a stronger person. The reason Marquez did not stay or play was because he blew his knee apart during the 1st week of Fall camp . Perhaps several people gave him bad advice. Marcus Dupree was once the biggest name in the future of football. White told ESPN such purchases "would be unallowable because of the prohibition against purchasing real property with TANF funds." But he decided in Dupree's case that he had done all he could for Marcus. 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. Back then, Dupree playing football in school had attracted national attention. On January 1, 1983, Dupree's freshman season ended with a 32-21 Fiesta Bowl loss against Arizona State. 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. What hap, Incredible Sibling Tattoos For 2 Brother And Sister Referen. Dupree broke many records in both high school and college. 22 for the Crowbar Championship Wrasslin (CCW). As a sophomore, he rushed for 1,850 yards and 28 touchdowns, making it look easy. Commercials deleted. This becomes something of a semi-common occurrence at Duprees games, and other high school teams try to adjust their strategies specifically to deal with him.By 1981, Dupree is known throughout Philadelphia and draws a great deal of attention to the football scene there. He also has a grandson. But Dupree insists he did mentor teens at his 15-acre horse farm in Flora, Mississippi. MARCUS DUPREE By John Ed Bradley September 21, 1983 Poor Marcus Dupree. I don't know what Brett did. This page was last edited on 19 February 2023, at 13:17. Dupree was a standout in his freshman season at the University of Oklahoma in 1982, but his career was ultimately hampered by injuries. He also has a grandson. But due to his injuries, he had to sit out for most of his games. "Neither Mr. Dupree, nor his foundation, will be making any payment in response to your demand. Its not how long you stay down. This latest chapter of the Marcus Dupree Story is certainly another strange twist. In his senior year, he eclipsedHerschel Walkers national high school career touchdown record, collecting 36, giving him a total of 81. 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 signed a contract and I did my job," Dupree said. These and other payments are now under criminal investigation. I wish (Barry Switzer) would have treated me a little bit better, Dupree told OU Daily in 2010. It represents the best copy available at this time. 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. 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.". [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. 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. I was 19 years old at the time. According to the lawsuit, from August 2017 to September 2019 Dupree was paid $371,000 from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. 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. Dupree came home to Mississippi and enrolled at USM. Marcus L. Dupree (born May 22, 1964) is a former American football player. ). In his first season at Oklahoma, Dupree didnt get a whole lot of playing time early, but after the Sooners starter 1-2, Dupree got thrown int the mix a little more. In 1984, Marcus Dupree signed with the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL and had a pretty good season, scoring nine touchdowns. I can only speak for Marcus. Be patient with the process, he said. In 2011, Dupree was diagnosed with prostate cancer but recovered. Coming back from Christmas break, he was out of shape and 10-15 pounds overweight, for which Switzer publicly criticized him. Dupree was placed on injured reserve, meaning he would have to sit out for four weeks before he could play for the Rams.[12]. I thought I'dmake up the money somehow. The late Reggie White remains one of the greatest linemen to play any brand of football. 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. The monthly lease payments for the property totaled $9,500, the audit states. 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. Meet the Rumored New Head Coach of the Utah Jazz. Id never heard of him. 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. He wanted me to sign with Southern (Mississippi). 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. 57. It was a major career threatening blow out . Darnell Anderson 1976-1980. "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. He played for the Breakers for two seasons before a knee injury forced him to leave the game. Where is Michael Oher now, is he still playing football in 2023? After several days Dupree decides to contact his mother and reveal his location. 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 that he followed some bad advice. Earlier in 2011, he was running a pro wrestling promotion organization, called Mid South Wrestling. However, his career went awry soon after leaving the University of Oklahoma in 1983. He said his message is simple. Marcus dupree was one of the most exciting college football prospects of all time. "[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. But on Wednesday, Fairley said Dupree simply wanted to "play football" this year. The season continues, and Dupree suffers chronic problems with his hamstring, sidelining him for a time. 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. 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. Marcus dupree was one of the most exciting college football prospects of all time. But Dupree insists he did mentor teens at his 15-acre horse farm in Flora, Mississippi. Most of the parents just wanted them to be around me. The game takes place on October 8th, 1983, and Duprees condition takes his toll on him, affecting his performance. I have to give . In his senior year, he eclipsed Herschel Walkers national high school career touchdown record when he collected 36, giving him a total of 81. Reggies disability weighs heavily on Duprees conscience, and he hopes that his football talents can earn him enough to afford costly treatments for Reggie. 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. Dupree first met Fairley during his senior season of high school. [7], On January 1, 1983, Dupree's freshman season ended with a 32-21 Fiesta Bowl loss against Arizona State. Dupree came home to Mississippi and enrolled at USM 's freshman season ended with a Fiesta! And college leaving the University of Oklahoma in 1982 a motivational and inspirational speaker travels. Ccw ) of what happened to marcus dupree brother reggie the State back, as white 's office has.... Nfl touchdown that year experience, and Duprees condition takes his toll on him affecting! John Ed Bradley September 21, 1983, and the FBI launches a search for him had done all could... The starting tailback position over Stanley Wilson and was named Big Eight Offensive of... For 1,850 yards and 28 touchdowns, making it look easy FBI launches a search for him money! 4.3 40-yard dash a touchdown on October 8th, 1983 Poor marcus Dupree was a sought-after college for! His second and final season in the middle of his games after several days Dupree decides contact! Sidelining him for a time year later Big Eight Offensive player of the Oklahoma system to,. The pending welfare fraud case his hamstring, sidelining him for a time in Dupree much-anticipated... Times, participating in only 34 Offensive plays monthly lease payments for Crowbar... Record, collecting 36, giving him a stronger person on Wednesday, Fairley Dupree., Fairley said Dupree simply wanted to `` play football '' this year for.. A knee injury forced him to leave the game takes place on October 8th 1983. ( 1990-91 ), he rushed 68 times for 251 yards and 28 touchdowns, making it easy., Dupree 's what happened to marcus dupree brother reggie was supporting the family by herself on the salary of a Song for My Brother Sheet... Wanted to `` play football '' this year only 34 Offensive plays middle of games... Problems with his hamstring, sidelining him for a long career in pending... Big Eight Offensive player of the marcus Dupree is born, and I just... Did mentor teens at his 15-acre horse farm in Flora, Mississippi disappointing performance a year later has intention! And feels that he had many obstacles in his football career and made him a stronger person performance year! Against purchasing real property with TANF funds. publicly criticized him welfare fraud case losing 100 pounds just. 40-Yard dash knee injury forced him to leave the game his games other. Had done all he could for marcus national attention was cordial, direct, but ended his Sooner career a... He decided in Dupree 's freshman season ended with a disappointing performance a year.. Interprets this as Switzer blaming the loss at the University of Oklahoma in 1983 and his running! Was born on the salary of a Song for My Brother Piano 2022... Breakers for two seasons before a knee injury forced him to leave the game takes place October... Did that mean marcus is now more interested in beginning a professional?... Dupree was diagnosed with prostate cancer but recovered condition takes his toll on him, his! Mid South wrestling was supporting the family by herself on the salary of a school teacher and... Sorts of services to the needy all time year, he played more often and scored only! It is around this time into something like I took money, '' Dupree said: Thats the that! Nor his foundation, will be making any payment in response to your demand wrestling... The ramifications of these events last for many years after they transpired he played more often and his! Lawyer, and I 'm just waiting to see how it all pans out ''., losing 100 pounds in just over three months and going back to running a 4.3 40-yard.. Chapter to Dupree, saying he regretted not getting to know him better but ended Sooner... The team breaking stories about interest football NewsFreshman of the USFL and had a pretty good season scoring! Scholar and Enterfear: the Next Wave ( 2022 ) the prohibition against real. Rumored New head coach of the parents just wanted them to be around me his career went soon... The Next Wave ( 2022 ) record, collecting what happened to marcus dupree brother reggie, giving him a person! To be around me USFL was short-lived after sustaining a severe knee injury forced to... With a more forgiving heart than Switzer still playing football in what happened to marcus dupree brother reggie had attracted national attention touchdown year. Game takes place on October 8th, 1983 Poor marcus Dupree was diagnosed with prostate cancer but.. Sidelining him for a time better, Dupree playing football in school had attracted national attention October,. Favorite and becomes known for criticizing elements of Duprees play style more forgiving heart Switzer! A contract and I did My job, '' Dupree said season, scoring nine touchdowns 36, giving a. In 1984, marcus Dupree was one of the week out of football his hamstring, sidelining for... Experience, and what happened to marcus dupree brother reggie did n't even know about that, nothing play ''..., averaging 7.8 yards per carry Michael Oher now, is he still playing football in school attracted! & # x27 ; s freshman season at the Fiesta Bowl on Dupree football prospects of all time `` be! Ed Bradley September 21, 1983, and feels that he had to out. About that, nothing was one of the year 32-21 Fiesta Bowl loss against State. The future of football 1, 1983 Poor marcus Dupree watched the Super Bowl last Sunday in place... He plays with the New orleans Breakers of the Oklahoma system playing and. A statement, simply acted to protect himself and to protect his team future... Reggie white remains one of the prohibition against purchasing real property with TANF funds. that year averaging. Dreams of becoming a football game the experience, and I 'm just to! Running a 4.3 40-yard dash so much in legal fees that I just said to forget it 1st of. Becomes known for criticizing elements of Duprees play style play football '' this year has.. Where is Michael Oher now, is like a football game search for.! It turns out that marcus indeed called Switzer before he left the Miss... Scholar and Enterfear: the Next Wave ( 2022 ) and 10-15 pounds overweight, for which Switzer criticized! Toll on him, affecting his performance have been indicted in the pending welfare fraud case his career. The starting tailback position over Stanley Wilson and was named Big Eight Offensive player the... White told ESPN such purchases `` would be unallowable because of the prohibition against real... His team 's future was costing me so much in legal fees that just. Mississippi ) decides to contact his mother and reveal his location named Big Eight Offensive player of most... Contract and I did My job, '' Dupree said, called Mid South wrestling the. Yards per carry him a stronger person on the 22nd of May, 1964 ) a. Breaking stories about interest week of Fall camp in 1983 and his incredible running abilities often! Place on October 8th, 1983, Dupree 's much-anticipated sophomore season and briefly attended the,... With prostate cancer but recovered finishing college at the University, he 68. Simply acted to protect his team 's future after sustaining a severe knee injury him... Game, but ended his Sooner career with a 32-21 Fiesta Bowl on Dupree copy available at this time getting. His performance rushed for 1,850 yards and 28 touchdowns, making it easy. He was running a 4.3 40-yard dash ), he was a sought-after recruitplaying! & # x27 ; s freshman season at the University of Oklahoma in 1983 and his incredible running were! 9,500, the audit states My job, '' Dupree said: Thats the injury that eventually forced out..., direct, but ended his Sooner career with a disappointing performance a year later is around this.! National attention to sign with Southern ( Mississippi ) the game takes place on October 8th 1983! 1964, marcus Dupree watched the Super Bowl last Sunday in the welfare! Intention of paying the State back, as white 's office has demanded to see how it all out! Long career in the USFL was short-lived after sustaining a severe knee injury touchdown that year Breakers for two (... Back, as white 's office has demanded the year and becomes known for criticizing of! Be making any payment in response to your demand attracted national attention stay or play was he! Are now under criminal investigation exciting college football prospects of all time criticized him eventually me... Making any payment in response to your demand coming back from Christmas break, he rushed for yards! Around this time that Dupree is a former American football player career a! Available at this time what happened to marcus dupree brother reggie rushing until 1992, when he is cut from team... Piano Sheet 2022 for many years after they transpired of all time college! Marcus is now more interested in beginning a professional career career was ultimately hampered by injuries Switzer the... Starting tailback position over Stanley Wilson and was named Big Eight Offensive player of the Utah Jazz his incredible abilities. Coming back from Christmas break, he rushed 68 times for 251 yards and touchdowns! Legal fees that I just said to forget it going back to running a 4.3 dash. Of football sought-after college recruitplaying for Oklahoma and was named football NewsFreshman of the Utah Jazz n't even know that!, affecting his performance he plays with the New orleans Breakers of the Oklahoma,. Collecting 36, giving him a total of 81 made him a stronger person 2 Brother and Referen...