Players Claim Investments Were Stolen
A business partner of San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau was charged Thursday with 38 felony violations for allegedly stealing more than $9 million in investments from professional athletes.
John W. Gillette Jr., an investment adviser who owned Pro Sports Management, pleaded innocent at his arraignment Thursday. Bail was set at $250,000. Gillette is charged with 37 counts of grand theft and one count of forgery.
Of the $9,298,655 missing, $5.6 million had been invested by NFL players. Hardest hit was Dallas Cowboys safety Darren Woodson, who lost $2.5 million in various investments.
Others involved and the amounts each lost are: Seau, $1.25 million; Washington Redskins safety Stanley Richard, $1.25 million; Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Tony Boselli, $250,000; Jaguars quarterback Rob Johnson, $150,000; New Orleans Saints safety Je’Rod Cherry; $100,000; and Detroit Lions receiver Johnnie Morton, $100,000.
San Francisco 49ers receiver J.J. Stokes was named in the forgery charge against Gillette, but no financial loss was listed.
“The pattern is that people who put their investments in Pro Sports Management had their money stolen,” District Attorney Paul Pfingst said at a news conference. Behind him were three easels with charts detailing the losses, complete with team names and logos.
Investigators believe Gillette moved money out of investors’ accounts for outside investments or for his personal use.
Seau is believed to be a 50-50 partner with Gillette in Seau’s the Restaurant. When asked for his comment during a media availability late Thursday afternoon, Seau would not comment about Gillette.
Others who lost money were former San Diego Padres players Greg Harris, $720,000, and Scott Coolbaugh, $100,000. Outfielder Mark Kotsay, who was up with the Florida Marlins in July, lost $350,000. He is now in Class AA ball.
Eight minor-league baseball players who invested signing bonuses with Gillette lost $950,000, Pfingst said.
Ticket prices rise again
The average price for a ticket to a National Football League game this season rose 6.6 percent to $38.09 from last year, the seventh straight season ticket prices have risen, according to a survey by Team Marketing Report.
The Washington Redskins, which are opening a new stadium this year, have the highest average ticket price at $52.92, said the survey conducted by the Chicago-based industry newsletter.
The New York Jets have the lowest average ticket price at $30.16. The Seattle Seahawks had the third-lowest prices with an average of $32.65.
Around the league
Pro Bowl defensive tackle Bryant Young on Thursday signed a six-year, $26 million contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers. … The National Football League suspended Philadelphia Eagles safety Matt Stevens for the first four games of the season because he violated the league’s steroid-abuse policy, the league said. … Washington Redskins coach Norv Turner said Henry Ellard and Leslie Shepherd would be his starting wide receivers against Carolina on Sunday. But that’s just the beginning. Alvin Harper and Michael Westbrook will also play, and Turner hinted that he will use his new four-wide receiver formation in Sunday’s game plan.