Yahoo! Sports did a tremendous job uncovering what we all assumed was going on at the University of Miami. The detail behind their report was unbelievable. If you haven’t read it already, you can check it out here.
New England Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork was a huge part of the investigation. According to the report, Wilfork received the following from a booster named Nevin Shapiro while playing for the Miami Hurricanes:
- A $50,000 lump sum payment during Wilfork’s junior season
- Multiple cash gifts totaling in the thousands of dollars.
- Three bounty payments totaling $1,250 for hits on opposing players.
- Multiple trips to nightclubs where Shapiro paid for VIP access and drinks.
- Multiple fishing and leisure trips on the booster’s $1.6 million yacht.
- Multiple meals at Miami-area restaurants.
- Lodging, food and drinks at Shapiro’s $2.7 million Miami Beach home.
- A washer and dryer worth approximately $1,500.
Save it.
Vince Wilfork was a young kid with no money who just saw both of his parents die. David and Barbara Wilfork both died within 5 months of each other in 2002. Someone flashed $50,000 in his face. Put yourself in his shoes.
Are you turning down that money?
Me either.
Vince was as much of a victim as anyone else here. The NCAA needs to clean up this mess. They need to stop allowing their athletes to be put in a situation where they need to turn down $50,000.
Because no penniless college kid is going to turn down $50,000. Period. They aren’t. Even for a free education.
I respect Wilfork for getting through school and becoming an NFL superstar immediately after losing both of his parents. This story doesn’t impact that respect one bit.
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