Ex-NFL player Caldwell killed
Former NFL wide receiver Reche Caldwell was shot and killed Saturday night in his hometown of Tampa, Florida. He was 41.
Tampa police said a fatal shooting occurred Saturday night just before 11 p.m., but they did not release the victim's identity. An investigation is continuing and police say the incident "does not appear to be a random act."
Caldwell played six seasons in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots and Washington Redskins from 200207.
According to ESPN, Caldwell was awaiting sentencing later this month after pleading guilty in January to one charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud after he and several former NFL players filed nearly $4 million in false insurance claims. Caldwell was arrested in 2014 for drug possession with intent to sell. He was sentenced to 27 months in prison and three years of probation.
Former Bengals star Riley dies: Ken Riley, the former Cincinnati Bengals standout who was head coach and athletic director at alma mater Florida A&M, died Sunday. He was 72.
The school announced the death, saying Riley died in his hometown of Bartow. A cause of death was not released.
Riley played 15 seasons for the Bengals as a defensive back, with 65 career interceptions – fifth in NFL history – for 596 yards and five touchdowns – all franchise records. He recovered 18 fumbles.
Before his NFL career, Riley was a four-year starter at quarterback for the Rattlers.
Riley, who was African American, was chosen in the sixth round of the 1969 NFL draft by the Bengals, who under coach Paul Brown decided to convert him to cornerback. At the time, black starting quarterbacks in the NFL were all but unheard of. Riley retired in 1983.
Riley spent two seasons as an assistant with the Green Bay Packers before taking over as coach at Florida A&M, where he went 4839-2 from 1986-'93. He won two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles and was a two-time MEAC coach of the year.
Zook passes away: John Zook, who teamed with Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey to give the Atlanta Falcons a dynamic combination at defensive end, died of cancer at the age of 72.
Hepburn's family made sure to record the title game.
“I've watched it six times,” Hepburn said, chuckling. “The full game. Six times. Reminiscing.”
Hepburn and Mors committed to UW on Sept. 29. They joined Hodges, who committed on Aug. 15.
Hepburn was intrigued by UW's business program, enjoyed his tour of the academic facilities, felt comfortable with the players on the roster and got a good sales pitch from Brad Davison.
“You couldn't get a better coaching staff,” Hepburn added. “And we have a great recruiting class. Ever since I met Matthew Mors, I dreamed of playing with him. I really wanted to play with him in college.”
Hepburn was busy helping his team in postseason play while UW closed with a flourish to win a share of the Big Ten regular-season title. But he kept tabs on his future program.
“I was so happy to see them win a Big Ten championship for coach Gard and his staff,” he said. “When they won I took a picture on Instagram with a Wisconsin shirt on.”