Money Players
How some of the NFL's biggest stars got taken for millions
Finally, the NFL Players Association has revoked his certification as an agent. In a letter obtained by U.S. News, the union cited his alleged mismanagement of Winfield's funds and the gifts of expensive suits and money that he gave to Winfield in 1998 "in an effort to induce Winfield into signing" with him.
Both the NFL and the union are reaching out to players, warning them of advisers pitching can't-miss deals. But, says union boss Upshaw, there are no quick fixes. "These sharks don't just disappear," he says. "They just move to another pool of water."
Big Losses
Some of the players who lost money investing with Lukens. He was accused by the SEC of concocting fraudulent schemes.
SIMEON RICE
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
$2.4 million
ERIC DICKERSON
Los Angeles Rams
$1.8 million
SEAN GILBERT
Carolina Panthers
$350,000
D'MARCO FARR
St. Louis Rams
$200,000
SHANNON SHARPE
Baltimore Ravens
$300,000
WILLIAM "TANK" BLACK. A jury in Gainesville, Fla., convicted Black last week of defrauding NFL players and others out of an estimated $14 million. The South Carolina sports agent could be sentenced to as much as 25 years in prison.
PLAYER CURRENT OR FORMER TEAM AMOUNT
Fred Taylor Jacksonville Jaguars $3.6 million
Robert Brooks Green Bay Packers $2.5 million
Ike Hilliard New York Giants $1.1 million
Germane Crowell Detroit Lions $500,000
Jacquez Green Tampa Bay Buccaneers $500,000
Rae Carruth Carolina Panthers $300,000
DUNYASHA MON YETTS. Winfield, a star Buffalo Bills cornerback, alleges that Yetts, his former friend and financial adviser, defrauded him out of part of his $3.5 million signing bonus. Yetts denies the allegations. The FBI is investigating.
PLAYER TEAM AMOUNT
Antoine Winfield Buffalo Bills $1.35 million
With Mark Madden and Carol Hook
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