Linebacker Moffitt's wife: 'He's living a lie'

TAMPA -- For the past four years, Ben Moffitt has been a standout linebacker for USF’s football team, celebrated just as much as a father and husband, a family man who made a daily 55-mile commute from campus to be with his family.

It was a heartwarming story, told everywhere from local papers to ESPN to the New York Times. But for nearly the last two months, it’s been a much different story.

Shauna Moffitt said Thursday that her husband left her with their two children, ages 5 and 3, on Nov. 11 – the day after the Bulls won at Syracuse -- and has had limited contact with them since. Throughout his time at USF, his scholarship checks have helped pay for the rent or mortgage, but since leaving, Moffitt has not done anything to support his family financially, she said.

“He is living a lie,” she said. “He’s lying to everyone. He’s not helping (us) with anything.”

Their marriage of five years has deteriorated to the point that Shauna, 26, made public Thursday a larger allegation, saying that she had taken multiple online courses for her husband and written papers for his college classes to keep him eligible to play football.

“I have written every single paper he has ever written in five years at USF,” said Shauna, who works as a data specialist in the Sumter County Appraiser’s Office.

As of 3 p.m. Thursday, USF officials had not responded to questions seeking comment on the academic allegations.

Moffitt, reached by phone Thursday afternoon, said it is “very unfortunate” that the matter had been made public but declined further comment, referring questions to Tavares divorce attorney A.J. Rohe. Rohe said divorce papers would be filed later Thursday in Sumter County.

“It’s our position that it’s harmful to the children when this personal stuff is aired in the papers,” said Rohe, who was retained by Moffitt on Thursday. “We’re disappointed that she would choose to do something in an attempt to damage his reputation and his potential for future earnings.”

Moffitt’s wife and children were noticeably absent on the field at Raymond James Stadium when USF’s seniors were honored before their final home game. A week later, when questioned after USF’s football game at Pittsburgh in late November, Moffitt said the relationship was fine. Asked why he wasn’t wearing his wedding ring, he said it was in his pocket, that he didn’t wear it during games.

Moffitt’s family is well-known to Bulls fans; Shauna was interviewed on ESPNU during USF’s football game at Florida Atlantic this season, and Ben has brought his 5-year-old son along with him for postgame news conferences.

USF has marketed Moffitt, 23, as a family man, touting him for national awards with the phrase “Linebacker. Leader. Husband. Father.” Moffitt, who started 43 games at USF, was a quarterfinalist for the Lott Trophy, which considers off-field contributions in addition to football accomplishments.

Moffitt has continued to perpetuate the feel-good story that USF has promoted. Just last week, as the Bulls prepared for the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, Moffitt was interviewed about his family life by The Register-Guard, a newspaper in Oregon.

“It’s a weird balance,” Moffitt told the newspaper, more than six weeks after he had left the family’s Bushnell home. “It can be hard, but it also just comes with the territory I guess, and it’s been working out.”

Not exactly. After their initial separation, Shauna said Ben visited their two children twice a week, but that stopped after a month. She said she does not know where he is living, and he has changed his cellphone, initially only calling from a blocked number before later giving her the number.

Moffitt finished his USF career Monday with 331 total tackles, the second-highest mark in Bulls history behind Kawika Mitchell, who had 367 from 1999-2002. Moffitt is projected a mid-round pick in April's NFL Draft, rated by ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. as the fourth-best inside linebacker in this year's class.

Comments

[cg]

oh snap

[Herm]

I guess all the ridicule from the UCF players and fans got to him.

[CR]

That really sucks for the kids. This divorce is going to be UGLY. It could affect him from ever getting his degree.

[Kyle]

My jaw is on the floor

[DELdaBULL]

Whoa!

[Mike Lakeland]

CR - getting his degree? I think that's the least of his concerns right now. Child support, alimony, legal woes with a potential NFL career would be more on his mind right now, I would think...

Greg, could the academic allegations do anything to USF's football record? Overturn wins, maybe?

What is the worst scenario for both USF and Ben?

wow man, this sucks, especially after I had to put up with the "He drives 50 miles to school each way every day, has a wife and 2 kids, blah blah blah" during every, freaking USF game.

[JB]

That joker needs to do his own homework.

[zippy]

Let's let the facts come out before stringing him up.

[USF Fan]

This was not too bright on her part. The amount of money he may make in the NFL would be very beneficial to her and their children. This may now be in jepardy. She may have bit her nose off to spite her face. Dumb move in my opinion.

[NPR]

Moffit is clearly wrong in abandoning his children, however his wife has compounded the situation by making this personal situation at public matter. She knew when she allegedly wrote his papers, and took classes on line for him, she was doing something improper. Why thrust your family into the spotlight by admitting this now? She is as wrong as he is.

[cawolfey]

his wife is not that smart if she were she would have waited till he signed an NFL contract to do this. Dumb.

[Ari Hinkelberger]

I don't think you should have written this article. I think it is in very poor taste.

Just my opin.

Maybe its true, but I think its just a poor way of going about things. If you don't write an original article on the divorce, why are you going to write an article about the acusations?

just bad taste...

but i am just a reader.

[Mo Mo]

As USF Fan noted:'The amount of money he may make' is the most important thing. As we all know money brings true happiness. Very good analysis of the situation.

[Mike]

Unbelievable!

[betty]

The truth is starting to come out about the caliber of players at USF. You guys should be really proud.

[Matt]

smart move dropping her, saw it coming from a mile away, he is about to make millions, so it's time to upgrade....

[jose]

i have no problem with this article, the facts are the facts. Ben and USF deserve every ounce of bad publicity. He sold the lie long after it was over and USF may have done so as well. He also may have been ineligible, ruining the "magic season". tough break, but dont fell sorry for ben or leavit

[wazzamattaU]

Who cares?

[tebow]

Leavitt keep recruiting these quality players.

[SLE]

Why should he ride on his wife and children's coat-tails? The person that is WRONG here is him. He has lied, let people believe he's this "great leader, linebacker, husband." If she was writing HIS papers she was doing it to better him and his children. Who's to say what anyone would do in this situation? For those ridiculing... put yourself in someone else's shoes. Do you know what you would do in this situation?

[Jason H]

NCAA Athlete not doing his own work!?!!

Outrageous!

[Mike]

The real question is who else knew about this. Who else knew that Ben wasn't doing his own homework (if these allegations are true)? Did Leavitt or Burnham know? If so, did they try to intervene? So they played him anyway?

[IceMan]

WOW.. how dumb is she to mess up his draft value. Thats money out of her pocket. All she had to do was wait until April after he gets Paid. Dumb Housewives, never know what they are doing.

[Kelly]

I don't feel sorry for him if it is true but why would she make it public? It seems to me like she is mad over him leaving her and now wants to get even, but in the end she is putting her private life in the public. She is also risking what he can make in the future which will make her life and her children's life better. I think she is not thinking of her kids by going public with this.

[NPR]

If I were in her shoes? If I felt compelled to write my husband's papers so he could play football, I would not admit to it after the fact. Can you spell V-I-N-D-I-C-T-I-V-E???? What good could possibly come from that admission for her and their children???

Every negative post, is costing him $$$. Thanks Wiffey, now his kids are gong to struggle in College just like he was, Broke and Broke. Thanks again, learn to think!!

[SLE]

Ever been married? Said wedding vows? Had 2 children? You scum...
Ben Moffitt was SUPPOSED to be a man of character, he is a liar and cheat. Money... money... money... money. That is what makes people happy... NOT. He vowed to honor his wife and children and he has broken the vow. 200 lbs or not. Get a life.

[Ben]

Does this guy play for FSU???? She not too smart, because this could effect his earning potential. I guess she enjoys the trailer life. GO MUSKIES!!

[Mike Lakeland]

Money doesn't bring true happiness?

Man, I have been living a lie! My mansion, yacht, 32 cars, 4 girlfriends and oodles of this green paper have been secretly destroying my life instead of making me happy!

I now see the error of my ways!

[SLE]

And dear God... do you REALLY think he'd make it to the NFL??? He MIGHT go in the last couple of rounds. Because his 4 tackles in Monday's bowl game were SURE fire NFL potential, right?

Some people are giving this redneck waaaay too much credit. NFL... please. Cuz USF sure was shining in El' Paso???

[Jonny]

First, I don't see why it's a big deal about the support aspect... She's the one with the job, and he's not supposed to be making much money...

And I know how ugly divorce processes can be... Just because she says she did his homework or whatever doesn't mean it's the truth by any means.

Seems the article was written with a real negative slant to Ben without leaving any room for his wife to have lied (which very often happens).

Don't jump to any conclusions based on what this woman (who obviously isn't that bright, because this can only hurt the amount of money she'll see from him in the future) says...

[Laurie]

I'm thinking he was going to divorce her BEFORE he started bringing in the real money and she knew that. She might be trying to ruin him divorcing her, settling on a set child support and moving on to make his millions. Of course she could have his earnings reevaluated but if you have enough money you can find enough places to hide it all. They seem a little young to be going through all this, eh?

[Amanda]

First of all, if this is all true than he's scum.

Secondly, why was this wife writing his papers? Com'on! That tells you the level of the person you are with when they can't carry their own work. She probably was trying to be a nice and help him out but she didn't have to write those papers!

Sounds like she's pretty pissed and resonably so if it's true. I wouldn't have aired the dirty laundry until the divorce was (if it was filed on her part).

[Seminole Sam]

How did FSU miss the boat on this guy? He's an obvious moral and academic fit for the Nolies. I'm sure he'll be happy in Oakland w/the Raiders.

Reason #71 why 18 y/o's shouldn't be fathering babies

[Ryan]

Well, if these cheating allegations are true, wonder if the NCAA will disqualify USF's victories in which he participated in.

[Gordon Gecko]

"It's all about the Bucks kid, the rest is conversation."

[Sharon]

There are two sides to every story. Why take her word without hearing his? Where's the proof that she took his classes?

[Mike]

I like his style... He will be able to take care of his kids with the NFL money, and frankly from what I saw the wife had let herself go. He needs a classy woman to be with when he is playing in the NFL.

[SLE]

Contingent income anyone??? She's going to be taken care of whether she did this before or after his "BIG" money. Blah, blah.

[Jen]

If this story is true, then she is equally in the wrong for doing his online classes and papers.

Make the guy take a round of exams and see if he passes. Easy way of seeing who is telling the truth.

[Herm]

I dont think they can santion USF for his cheat (if true). USF didnt have anything to do with it. i am sure they can take his degree away or maybe erase any records or awards he has won. Again I dont think, i dont know the rules but it would be crappy if they took wins or schollies away from USF because some dude has his wifre write his papers.

[JoeB]

Greg, you act like USF had something to do with this. Even if they promoted Ben, what really has changed? He was what he was up until the Syracuse game, correct? So he still did what was said for close to 5 years. Its not like USF knew she was writing the papers for him. And that is just hearsay at this point. Nothing is proven, and I don't know if anything can ever prove this type of accusation. Is it not his word versus her word? This piece just seems very one sided to me.

[Gilbert R. Ford]

It is one thing to get a divorce, it is another to air your family business along the way! Not to mention placing the kids in the position to be ridiculed, obviously she doesn't care about her kids. It appears she wanted to embarass him. Well she did just that and herself as well. If she knowingly and willingly typed those papers and he knowingly turned in them as his own, then they BOTH are guilty as conspirators and co-conspirators, in the commission of a fraud. Is she a blonde? I hate to advocate divorce, but I feel it is warranted in this case. Good Luck Guys, you will really need it!

[Donald Trump]

From my perspective, it seems like a solid business decision. Dump the lady before she starts spending his money at the local Wal-Mart.

[DAC]

She is a CLERK. Do you really think she can do college level papers without the course work. Maybe she believe that if she typed them into the computer, that was doing his papers.

[Ari]

Why the hell would you write this article Greg? You're a piece of crap. This doesn't need to be talked about, Moffits wife is just upset and I can't believe half of what she said. Life sucks but don't ruin a man life becuase his wife is unhappy. She is just talking crap, which is sad. We should be mature enough to realize this doesn't belong on a blog or in the paper.

He's a football player do you think he can write college level papers?

[Ari HInkelberger]

That post by "Ari" is not Ari Hinkelbeger by the way..

Idiot

[tunamanz]

It is the public school systems fault for making I and DO part of the site words that you have to learn as a child. If those two words were never on the list together men would never be saying them and getting themselves in this situation. Most wives become ex-wives and their true colors come out. All sweet and sexy to rope you in and then BAM the she-devil comes out. Note to all men not already taken by evil women.....get the testies cut early and then you owe no woman anything!

This chick is a psycho dumb a**. The children should be removed from her custody!

Freakin' A people. Did you read the same article I did? This article is not about the papers she wrote, it's about him LEAVING her and the children and still touting that he's a married leader. This is about morals and vows... obviously why Tampa is the sespool that is it.

[Mack]

Way to go Greg!

You are showing your true colors more and more every time.

Let's write one about Grothe selling beer to minors again for old times.

[Doc]

Why are people so quick to say he is guilty...appears to be a spurned spouse looking for revenge!!! I for one do not believe her. He is the one filing for divorce!!! 2 sides to every story and the media is not the place to hash out personal issues. This is not Hollywood!

[Mike]

Hey, lets be honest. Him leaving her does not really have any imoact on any of us.
At least he showed up on that field on Saturdays and gave us 4 years of all out effort and play. No matter how this turns out he will always be remembered as a great bull.
(DELETED)

[Mack]

I'm with you Mike.
He needs to get some hot chicks like Tom Brady. I hope New England picks him up.

[Bullshark]

As mentioned many times over, his wife's lack of poise (by going public with this) will more than likely cost their children plenty. Obviously a decision made from the heart and not the brain!!!

Now having said that, what makes this whole situation worse is that this blog exists. Sorry, but this space is supposed to be for a sports blog, what does this have to do with this numbers of tackles for a loss or interceptions? .....we haven't even recoverd from the Oregon beating yet. Why do we have to know this? If the guy wants out of his marriage does that make him a bad linebacker????

[disgusted]

He left her alone w/ 2 kids!! That is a scumbag for you. You think the judge will care about looks...??? how can u say the kids should be taken from her? She is the only thing that they have. I don't think the purpose of her contacting the media was the papers. I think it was b/c he was still pumping himself as this great father & husband just last week and he had been gone for over 6 weeks.....

[CrazyIvan]

H3ll hath no wrath, like the woman scorned. Is what she's saying the truth? Or is she just trying to "get him"? Hmmmmm. Time will tell.

[tunamanz]

It is all her fault for not letting him be there for the children. She like most women can't handle the fact that they got dumped and make it impossible for a great father to be a great father. She is a horrible mother and should give the kids up to a get father! Stupid soon to be EX-WIFE!

[The Former Mrs Moffitt]

I not only wrote his papers, I also played the game against UCF as Ben. Wow, those boys are soft.

[Lisa]

Another example of getting married and settling down too young. 18 year olds shouldn't be married and having kids. Athletes or not they're not ready. Take time to live your life and pursue your dreams - a family can wait.

He would have been better off without the baggage of a family.

[Alex]

@Bullshark: No, it doesn't make him a bad linebacker. But allegedly cheating in his classes would (if true).

[Ex-wife]

Usually when your spouse works to improve your family life, supporting the marriage, you are expected to be doing the same. When you stop supporting the marriage (spouse and kids), it will come back to bite you.

Don't be so quick to judge this woman, she might have proof of all she says, that's not being vindictive, that's being hurt.

It really doesn't matter who actually filed in court for the divorce either.

[Adam]

This is going to be ugly.

It happens all of the time, across america though. Why is everyone so ready to hang Ben?

Unfortunately, he made a bad decision when he was in HS, he got married and had two children. He is 23 years old, was what, 17 or 18 when he married? Could anyone reading this have made that critical of a decision at that age?

I feel bad for Ben, Shauna, and the Children, but this isn't really news. It happens all of the time.

I hope that most of it isn't true.

For those "program bashers" out there, pa-lease. Forget that Ben was a great father until a few weeks ago, forget that he did drive 55 miles one way, up hill, in the snow (wait). Lets just focus on these unfortunate events and burn him at the stake.

I hope that Ben will make better choices in the future, and that he will support his children and do what is right.

[RR]

The only thing more appalling than Moffitt's selfish actions are some of the comments on this article.

No wonder our once great nation is crumbling into oblivion. When so many people are concerned about his "NFL earning potential" instead of what is right, that's a sign of the sorry shape our nation and the basic family unit is in.

Sickening.

[Ted]

Let me guess, she was doing the homework because she thought she had landed someone would get a big NFL contract. Now that she is out of the picture she is bitter.

He should be playing for the 'Canes, would fit right in at Criminal U

[Melissa]

I'm sure she didn't mind doing his homework when she thought there was something in it for her....

Now she is losing her man and wants to ruin his life so no other gold digger can get to him..lol

[Silence Dogood]

Actually,I thought him more a fit for the Gators than FSU.....

Of course,he would still need a semi-automatic rifle....or hit his wife in the head with a keg....or beat her up....

But then,nothing would happen anyway because State Atty. Cervone would drop all charges and the Hogtown Propaganda Machine that seems to have acolytes at every newspaper in the state would sanitize it all and sweep it under the rug,so you wouldn't really read much about it.

[Sailingbull]

I agree with Ari... very poor taste with this article Mr. Auman.

[Stephen]

LACK OF INSTITUTIONAL CONTROL!

Just like FSU, how many other players were having tests taken for them.

It was only a matter of time.

[CW]

I think she was playing all 11 positions both ways in the Sun Bowl and all of the special teams too! USF showed nothing. Character is important and Leavitt better start to learn that. His undisciplined teams will cost in both recruits and wins!

[Larson]

This shows the kind of institution that South Florida is. What a joke.

[Bullshark]

Alex:
The question really wasn't designed to elicit an attempt at an answer, but cheating @ FOOTBALL, would make you a bad linebacker. While cheating at Chess, would NOT make you a bad linebacker. Ask FSU, those players cheated academically, but they were still good ball players/ atheletes.

Besides anything can be stretched to cheating, for all we know he asked her how to spell a word. College atheletes are not saints...and the ones that are have a dark secrete back at USC.

[VOR]

She's 26
He's 23
Married out of High School?
Either those numbers are wrong or she's a child molestor.

[Doc]

How do we know Ben isn't supporting his children? How do we know she is not blocking him from seeing his children? Why is everyone so quick to believe her? Is it because most in our society cannot be happy for those who are successful? I think so!!!

[invinciBULL]

Why is this even being reported? This is a personal matter....."living a lie?" do you know how many people do this just to keep it out of everyone elses radar....and now yours and ours for that matter. Shame on you GA for even reporting this "story."

[Just a Coastie]

WoW! How Dumb can she be? She is the real hero here! Guess we will see you in the food stamp line....or do we give them credit cards now....Feel so sorry for the kids. guess they will go to public school and see what mommy has done to her family. Dude dont cheat...sorry your wife had to help you....now she is reallly helping you!!!!

[Monica]

I wonder if she is telling the truth.

[Dav]

QUICK LET'S RUSH TO JUDGEMENT!!

[Bullshark]

I agree with invinciBULL!! I thought this GA writer was promoting us, not digging up dirt on the program. He'd fit in with Mike Biatch at the Slantenel!

[Mike in Charlotte]

All you people defending him are truely what they say about USF fans. This guy screwed his children over, and then tried to promote himself over it all the while lying to everyone.

He is pure garbage, scum and I would like nothing more than to see this bum get what he deserves.

Greg you did the right thing by writing about this article. There are many more issues that USF is hiding no doubt. When you recruit garage, you get garbage.

[Alex]

@Bullshark - When talking college athletics, I see it as all the same. We're talking about students playing for a college, and representing that college on a national stage.

Yes, athletically, he's a good ball player if its true. No, he is not a good college football player if true.

Just my opinion, I guess.

[Blake]

Divorce is horrible and it tears apart families, and hurts the children the most. I think its very sad that she made this a public issue. If everything ends up being true, then I will be very sad for his children. However, like all divorces, there are two sides to this and I just hope this is the last we hear of this story in the media, I feel that this should have been kept a private matter for the family.

But Greg, people should not have qualms with you about writing the article. If you hadn't written the story, she would have found someone else to make the story public and make sure his name is slandered(whether its true or not).

[Sim]

Being a husband and father is not easy, even when you have the experience and maturity to deal with what comes your way. However, that is no excuse for not supporting your family and not being a father to your kids. The man took an oath and apparently is no better then the Shawn Kemps and Larry Birds of the world. The message: why do we continue to look to athletes as role models when most are nothing more then walking commercials for the ills that plague society. They will alwyas disappoint.

[Give it all you got]

This entire story and all these blogs are meaningless. His athletic ability and it alone will make or break him as an NFL player. He wasn't a player of determination with no ability, he will succeed if he lives up to his football prowress. Plain and simple. All this nonsense just sells papers and helps in television ratings.

[igloo]

It doesn't matter if she weighs 500 pounds. You don't break wedding vows over that. You work it out. Where are there any pictures of her any way? How do you KNOW she's 200 pounds?

[Sanitation]

SHE IS JUST PURE TRASH!....Why do this to yourself....I really dont see who is the winner here. Putting your personal matter in the public eye? Well the prosecuter could have a field day with this one. She should get a CRIMINAL LAWYER AS WELL!!!!!!!!

[USF Sucks]

TYPICAL USF football player caliber character!

[KB]

Could she lose her government job for fraudulently taking a course for someone else?

[Jonny]

I would like someone to respond with how he's supposed to support them when he is not making an income...

Seems like we're overlooking the fact that he's not making any money... And if he was kicked out of the house, that extra scholarship money may be just enough to put a roof over his own head...

[BLBULL]

This is a he said-she said deal as of now. She could easily be making this up to get back at him. I'm not saying she is...but she could be. Either way, his divorcing her is rough. That sucks for the kids.

[Dave W]

I was out all day, so I just saw this. It's hard to believe; if it is true, I have to say that my opinion of him has really turned sour.

Not sure if it is even our business, but we should wait for the resolution.

The overall implications could be damning for the program if any of the malfeasance broke NCAA rules (the paper thing could be difficult to prove).

Plus, the divorce will really negatively impact his "draftability." By sheer implication, GM's may shy away from him.

[college football fan]

Another creap in a long line of USF creaps. How can this university think that bringing in criminals, liars, drug dealers and cheats is not going to catch up to them? I am ashamed that my daughter goes to USF but thank God she does not play in their "win at all cost" athletic department. No ethics at all, from the president to the king of creaps, Coach James Leavitt.

[zippythepinhead]

Hey, I have known many similar marriage stories but they just don't get posted on web sites and discussed ad nauseum by rock throwers living in glass houses. I'm sure that Moffitt got into the marriage at his age based upon wanting to do the right thing since obviously the two parties fornicated and she got pregnant. It would seem to me that their religion should have prevented this from happening, oh well. They weren't mature enough nor probably matched too well - that's a shocker at their age huh! Remember, she couldn't live in the big city and wanted to get back to the country and near her relatives, which caused big problems for the other party. He tried to cope, but in the end their differences are just too profound. Happens all the time and especially in small towns. Oh, and she obviously has serious issues so I can see why he probably needed to get away from her while trying to handle this personal matter discreetly. Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged - rock throwers. Go get a life and stay out of other peoples personal affairs.

[Jay]

No suprise here. Typical USF Bull. Your football program takes the low road when it comes to the type of player you recruit, and that is going to come back to haunt you.

[zippythepinhead]

college football fan is an obvious UCF fan from the wonderful grammar and spelling. You are obviously not smart enough to get into nor graduate from USF so crawl back into your mouse hole scumbag.

[USF Mike]

I knew bringing in all these bad people would eventually catch up. Time to get rid of football and focus on academics and research.

[Bullshiznitz]

Wow, some of you people are pathetic. One, you don't even know the facts yet...and 2...how is this typical of the people USF recruits? You mean the type that does support their children for 5 years through college. They seperated 6 weeks ago....when you seperate, you typically don't live under the same roof anymore. So many of you people have no sense of reality or are nothing more than UCF / UF fans waiting to bash USF over anything.

[teacher]

So sad. I loved hearing about this family making it against so many odds. I agree with zippythepinhead. I still think he tried to do the right thing for a long time. It wouldn't surprise me if it turns out that he has met someone else. Young men grow and change a lot from age 16 to 23, in the normal course of things. Even without being a media darling, he would get a lot of attention from the coeds. It's too bad they didn't really beat the odds that bring down most teen parents.

[chuszai]

Sounds like she's pissed off to me.

I'll wait to make judgments once I hear both sides of the story.

[Mike Och]

Seems like another guy victimized to me.

[Jay]

Oh, I don't know Bullshiznitz, maybe because a guy who is charged with grand theft doesn't even miss a game? Or maybe when your most prized recruit is caught on drug charges? Or maybe it's the 19 player arrests in the past couple of years?

Guys, this is a common thing with USF football players. You really need to STOP taking offense when somebody points out the obvious to you, and tell your Football coach and AD to start recruiting BETTER kids before your program falls apart...

Greg

This story is just wrong to publish this story. Moffit is not a professional athlete. He did not get charged for any crime. What happens in his personal life should not be a story in the paper.

Shame on you for this Greg

At FSU, some cheated in an on-line open book test where the test hadn't changed in 7 years. All of the posters: YOU would've NEVER done such a thing, would you? At UF, it never would've happened, right? At our school, he's (maybe) surely the only one!
Holier than thou...

[whatever]

First of all, I do not think GA should have written this article. Shauna obviously had to contact him and is angry at the situation. In her ranting and raving she does not say why he left. I am sure there are two sides to this story. If he were anyone else no one would care. I dout she wrote all of his papers...she may have helped him but who hasn't received help on a paper from mom or dad or girlfriend or boyfriend or husband or wife. From what I understand Ben is a very private individual. This is his personal business. He has no obligation to disclose anything about his personal life to anyone he doesn't want to. Have any of you ever been divorced or anything else you felt was of personal nature. Do you want to share all the details with us?? Then we will comment on it.

Greg, I have lost a lot of respect for you. Hope you never have a personal crisis of any kind that someone decides to print for the public to see.
What was this your moral obligation? GIve me a break. It is total lack of respect.

[SMH]

I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt. Hopefully he was trying to avoid an uncomfortable situation rather than "living a lie". Should he have sat down with GA or some other reported to set the record straight? As far as financial support goes he was living on scholarship checks, there couldn't have been much and most of it was probably distributed at the begining of the semester. Difficult situation that should have been handled privately.

[Common Sense]

I am a loyal reader of this blog and I am personally disappointed that G.A. has once again pimped himself out for a gossip story. I heard before the bowl game that Shauna was searching for someone to write this type story and that some others had refused. I would assume that Ben was also aware of the situation which probably is why he wasn’t capable of being the leader he has been in the past. I am disgusted that G.A. chose to write this story. It seems sad the last five years of his life will be defined by the last two months.

It appears that Ben is not the only one who may be living a lie. Shauna professes to be a very religion person but the content of this story doesn’t support that claim it portrays a vindictive woman. If she did indeed write his papers for the past five years than she has been just as dishonest as he has. Just the fact that she would want this story known whether it is true or not in print doesn’t speak highly of her character this is something that her children could be exposed to later in life. I find it interesting that the interview’s she has given in the past spoke of how dedicated he was to the balance of family of football. Were these all lies?

For those of you condemning Ben of the accusations maybe you should consider the source have any of you actually ever met Ben or Shauna? Isn’t it possible that he left because of the love he has for his children. If this story is any indication of the hostility in their home it is no wonder he left.

I was surprised to find that she was a 20 year old woman who got pregnant by a Seventeen year old boy. Maybe his good character is why they were married at such a young age he thought he was doing the right thing. Everyone is screaming that he was dishonest about the type of husband and father he was I am sure that Ben wasn’t the one placing those labels. I am pretty sure he wasn’t the one asking the media to print those stories

Greg I think you missed your calling you should ditch Sports writing and apply for a job at US weekly seems more your style.

[Brahman Bill]

Who cares if someone took his tests? I'm sure the UCF losers are watching...all that matters is we beat UCF 64-12. They can take their academic standards and ethics and we will take our victories on the field. A lot of big programs have others write papers for players. We are just creating a big-time program. Leavitt knows from K-State how to work the system. How do you think we get all of the hardship transfers? I'm just glad this news came out after his senior year, so its irrelevant now. Hopefully Greg will cut this investigative crap out and focus on the on-field stuff.

[Reality]

Just goes to show that there are no heroes left in this world for kids to look up to. First the Lunch Lady on Survivor lied, and now this. Crushing blows. I am now happy to see that we can stop celebrating some country bumpkins who had kids at 17 years old. Congrats, he did the right thing and married her, and now he is left with this disaster. Maybe this is a wake up call to parents out there to teach your kids, to NOT HAVE SEX until they are older. Only ends up in trouble.

Shame on you people calling Greg out. His job is to report the news. The destroying of the mirage that was created about this family needed to be told. Good work Greg!

[Jay]

Brahman Bill - Wow, that is truly sad. "They can take their academic standards and ethics and we will take our victories on the field."

I would prefer both. It's sad that there are enough scumbags out there to allow a scumbag program to be successful.

You can have the win for next year too, let UCF out of the game so we can add FAU, another team that is growing and doing it the RIGHT way, not the CHEAP way. I'll take that series any day over playing your low-class program.

[Casey Peterson]

Everyone here that criticizes the author for writing this article must be a USF homer.

Articles like this are the sole purpose of newspapers and journalism. Keep up the good work.

[Herman Momart]

I agree with Reality. What is GA's job again? Oh yea he is a reporter of the news. This is news. great news honestly being that it has over 100 comments. Its a juicy story like a car wreck you cant help but look and say something.

And for all the people talking crap about his wife being fat and ugly, have you seen Ben Moffit? He is the visual definition of Bushnell. If I was sitting next to that hick in the DMV we would have nothing in common to talk about.

My guess is he fought temptation from regular girls at usf who would sleep with him just for the fact he plays ball for their university. Then when they realized he would make the NFL he was approached by some hotties way out of his league and he must have been surprised they would touch him. So he hooked up and it will surface he has a new girl. Just guessing but i bet im right.

Lastly i dont feel sorry for him, he gossiping redneck wife or USF. I feel bad for the children. Grow up and act like adults for once Mr and Mrs Moffit.

[Mike Och]

UCF Fans, Tenderfoots, Week-kneed sisters and other members of the She-Man Man Haters Club,

This is just a blog, it is not fodder for the Smithsonian. Greg and his newspaper get paid by how much interest is generated by their handiwork, and, in turn, how much advertising revenue is generated. A huge hoops win gets 53 blog hits, this Enquirer sampler gets over 100. Leave the man alone, he needs to feed his family, too,,,,hmmmm, then again, unless maybe he too is living a lie??

Tampa folk, hurry, I think they're showing Little House on the Prairie reruns at 830 on Bright House 47.

Ho Ho Ho.....

[keith]

greg, in an effort to get the scoop out there first, you pretty much pissed on every professor who tried to instill ethics upon you.

in this 'eyes wide shut' world we live in, i wonder what's next? will the real bloggers pass the makeshift fishwrappers in terms of whom we trust to at least try to verify the easily verifiable and seek out comment from the assailed?

your ombudsman says hi.

This article should NOT have been written, especially with such a biased title. This is ridiculous, you should know all of the facts before deciding to take a side, come on...I am dissapointed about this being written

[Brahman Bill]

Jay...typical loser UCF attitude. Enjoy your student athletes...I will enjoy my athlete students. We are running a pro-like operation playing at RJS. You are an example of doing things the right way. Your right way found you in C-USA hell...while we scammed our way into the BE. What is the worst case if some of our violations come out? We lose a scholarship or a Bowl game one year? Who cares, we are no BCS and you will never be doing things "the right way". In leavitt I trust!

[tweetie]

Who Cares!!! Everyone need to mind thier own business. Life is what you make it..it's two sides to every story. So don't believe everything you hear ir read.

It doesn't matter who took the test and wrote the papers....Its all about who played on the field.

[Mike Och]

Jay,
Hurry and turn off the AOL, your sister's calling you home, she misses you and says the trailer's going to be cold without you tonight, baby.

UCF and FAU leading the charge of teams doing it the right way? Lead by the Woodward and Bernstein of their era, O'Liar and Schnellenberger.

Wow.

Don't forget the baby oil for sis.

[Jay]

Yeah Bill, you're supporting a program full of winners there.

What did you guys win again this year?

Don't cry too hard when the NCAA takes away your "64-12", that's the only thing you have to hang your hat on.

You seem like there furthest thing from a winner I have ever seen.

[Dr. Phil]

In my Monday episode I went over the six steps to improving your marriage.

This is not one of them. Ms. Moffit, please please pick up my new book,

"Building a Better You."

Good luck in your trails and tribulations.

[Dave W]

I guess I don't understand how this is an indictment of the university. It is unreasonable to expect that the coaches would know he would do this 5 years down the line.

Also, how can this be spun into an attack on GA? This has the potential to be extremely damaging to the program if there is some way he is found to have been ineligible. I don't think they can verify the essay line, and I don't think he committed any crime, so it probably won't. I will say that is primarily a personal issue, and the headline is typical of the St. Pete Times over-the-top, gossip-magazine presentation style. I'm glad I don't have to see the *TBT cover- they would really over do it. But, freedom of the press rules this country, and I'm sure Greg wouldn't publish anything (it has a regular article, not just a blog entry) without strong evidence from Shauna.

[John P]

Whether or not she did his homework - he's definitely not the poster boy the press made him out to be. I don't blame her at all, personally. If I had 2 young children dependant on someone who walked away without even leaving a phone number - I'd probably not take it lying down, either. Why should he be praised as some kind of heroic figure while she scrapes to find diaper money? Huh?

As far as the university involvement goes - nothings will happen. If the work she did for her husband was independant of University complicity (and difficult to prove anyway), there won't be as much as a slap on the wrist.

Good riddance, jerk.

[Mike]

Greg, this is close to sensational journalism, did Ben offend you in El Paso? Why is this a public story for the paper? I certainly hope you're willing to write blogs on your own personal family problems. Maybe you don't have any, which is even more reason not to publish tabloid gossip. This story certainly diminishes my opinion of you more than of Ben Moffit.

As for those post in support of GA, how can you possibly say that a scorned wife saying she wrote papers for Ben is worthy of this trash journalism? If my wife left me I'd say anything to hurt her. This is pure trash!

[Jay]

Mike,
I thought I was your wife?

[Ari Hinkelberger]

How is this gossip>?? Here you have a sensational story that has been talked about ALL YEAR! Not even all year. Since the guy started playing at USF we have been bombarded with "he makes the 100 mile drive." He "is an outstanding guy." He "waked up at 3 a.m. to drive to class."

BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH..

Now you got his wife saying she hasn't seen him in two months and he doesn't support the kids and she wrote all of his papers..

Solid reporting.

[Wow]

Given the legal problems the Times would be facing here, it wouldn't be in the best interest of the paper to publish this story unless it had been cross-checked. Given the paper's status as the official paper of USF, I don't think publishing this story was a rash decision. I applaud Greg for doing a story that could not have been easy to put to words after following the team so closely for as long as he has.

[Kyle]

The more I think of this story/situation, the more I think its pissed off wife syndrome.
I had a class with Moffitt, and he participated and was very articulate in class. He had to write several papers in the class. His wife never was in college, so how could she write his college level papers?

[Jazzercise]

Shauna..

Put down the ice cream cake and step away from the fridge.

[BadA$$Bull]

Where's the picture of the accuser?

[Reality]

Kyle, Come clean. If you think that is articulate, then Elijah Dukes must be Toastmasters International President. You know what I am saying Dawg?

You USF "fans" who care more about winning than running a clean program amaze me. Just check out the recruits that Stan Heath is looking to bring in. No wonder Robert McCollum never worked out here. He ran too good of a program for this University.

All USF donations have been cut off. I am strictly supporting Jesuit High School. We may not be the unstoppable machine program we once were, but at least we are clean.

[Josh]

nice article auman, way to end the football season on a positive note

[pch]

Reporters have sources.
Sources have agendas.
I wonder, for example, who pitched the human interest story to the NY Times? (Sometimes people get paid to promote their agenda.)
And as for this story, the primary source obviously has an agenda.
It may not seem like this topic belongs here, but guess what? The story would have been broken by someone after the court papers were filed.

[Mike Lakeland]

Hey, I like ice cream cake!

[Sherriff-Gonna-Get-Ya]

I figured it out.

We have a wife that is pissed that her husband left her with the kids. We have a husband that doesn't want to be married to his fat wife anymore.

Welcome to America.

[jarred]

Listen, I know Ben and Shauna personally. Ben and I worked for the same construction company and Shauna was my vacation bible school teacher for years and we all attended the same high school. These are not the kind of people I know them to be. Ben was, and still is a man built on strong character, hard work, and discipline. He is an honest man and has been an example I have tried to follow during my collegiate career at USF. He does his best and does whatever he can to be a father to kids and a husband to his wife along with being a star player and college student living 55 miles away in my hometown. Sometimes the pressure can be too much and he probably just needed some time to clear his head before he undergoes a complete lifestyle change after the 2008 draft. I cannot vouch for the validity of Shauna's claims but i know they are both good people and their character and resolve will shine through during this tough time in both their lives.

[Reality]

Ben,

I hope your side of the story is really good, because it doesnt look good for you so far.

Abandoning your kids is not the way to go. I don't care how much of a douche your wife is, you have to be there for the kids. I knew something was up when on Senior Day, your wife and kids were no where to be found.

Greg, you did a great job sitting on this story as long as you did.

I hope this was the family emergency you had to miss the Basketbulls and hope all is well in your family.

P.S.
I can't wait for the picture of the girl that broke up the marriage on the back page of the TBT.

[Kyle]

Right...my first hand encounters verses your internet babble...go change your tampon.

[Ken]

Thanks Jarred and Kyle.

First, divorce happens, and for various reasons. Sounds as though that's in their future, as Moffitt admits to having hired a divorce attorney (something Greg said he did today). I'm guessing that led his wife to attempt to do and say the most hurtful things she could think of as a way to get back at him. Very sad--for both of them, for their kids especially, and for us, too.

But, please, let's keep in mind that those are accusations, that may or may not be true. The tone of her remarks is that of a wronged spouse who is out to get the other with whatever hurtful things she can think of, regardless of whether they are true. Perhaps, she will later wish she'd held her tongue.

Besides the testimony of Kyle and Jarred, I have good reason to believe that Moffitt has been a pretty good student, which, believe me, involves more than taking online courses and writing out-of-class papers.

Divorce happens--how it is handled matters a lot. Apparently, they'd handled the first six weeks of separation reasonably well. Today was horrible. I hope they have better days--and soon.

[RR]

Al Gore told me Global Warming caused this mess.

[yougottabekiddingme]

This is very entertaining. Especially hypocritical knuckle draggers like Jay. Talking about the high standards at a school that hired George O'Leary? Unbelievable. Predictable in a way I guess, as there really is nothing UCFers can say regarding head to head results. And as far as giving South Florida the game next year Jay, wouldn't you miss the annual chest beating "we are just as good as you" UCF pregame chatter? Buck up little fella, the Bulls will only be wiping their a-- with UCF one more time and then you can focus on Memphis and Tulsa and (yawn) UAB. What exactly does this story have to do with UCF anyway??? Just sad.

[Common Sense]

Wow, how unbelievable that most of you can justify anything for one of your football heroes, including a husband and father leaving his wife and kids. That much we know is true, regardless of the reasons. And for those that are calling Shauna a liar, did he or did he not perpetuate the fact that everything was fine when in fact he had already left her? Regardless of the reason, I think it's clear who the liar is here.

And this is news because of the myth about Ben Moffitt that has been continually promoted by the university. Ben Moffitt. Linebacker. Leader. Husband. Father. Yeah, right. I guess 1 or 2 out of 4 isn't bad.

[Rob]

Go Bulls! April 2008 = great draft for USF!

[BullJag]

Greg,

Have to agree with those that say this article is in poor taste. At a minimum, I hope you at least attempted to obtain Ben's side of the story before going to print? This is utterly devastating. For your sake, I certainly hope Ms. Moffit is telling the absolute truth. Otherwise you've just played the fool in facilitating Ms. Moffit's character assassination. Hell hath no fury . . ..

[BullJag]

Greg,

To your credit, upon further review of the article, I see that you did try and contact Ben afterall. Your efforts makes the article a bit more acceptable and unfortunate.

You can keep your Journalistic Man Card afterall.

[Jim Leavitt]

BullJag,

Did you even read the article? Did you see where Ben declined further comment and referred further questions to his divorce attorney? It appears that Greg attempted to obtain Ben's side of the story and he had little to say. If you're going to comment on the article and be critical of the author, at least READ the article first.

[BullJag]

Thanks Jim. I presume you failed to refresh your computer and read my retraction before noting my error. Anyway, point taken.

[Frickeyfrackey]

what's hilarious here is she probably just got herself fired. if she wrote those paper, she's just as guilty as academic fraud as he is. therefore, if i were her boss, she'd be fired. welcome to the welfare life.

“There are four stages in a marriage. First there's the affair, then the marriage, then children and finally the fourth stage, without which you cannot know a woman, the divorce.”

[The Truth]

Hey jarred

Go back to Subway and eat some subs.

[Judge Judy]

Ben,

You need to get yourself a lawyer.

[bad idea]

greg,

This is a horseshit article on your part this is clearly not a public story to be published in a newspaper. This is a personal matter to be dealt with the correct way involving attorneys and our court system, not some hack writer dying for a story from anywhere he can get it. I can only hope that your personal life is one day published as many times as you have published USF's players lives. You wonder why Leavitt will never give you an interview or tell you any "inside information" this is why. You are always just waiting for another USF player's downfall, so you can publish it and watch a 23 year old or even younger person's life be publicly ruined. I am positive moffitt has been nothing but kind and respectful to you in the past when you did your interviews with him, just as I'm sure he would of wanted you to respect him and not publish this in your newspaper. You are a SPORTS WRITER since when is Ben Moffitt's divorce a sports issue for you to get into and dig around in? You will do anything for a story and you will ruin a college kid's life and reputation just so you can have the front page of the sports section and this article proves it, it makes me sick to know this article was even considered for printing but it came as no surprise to see your name printed at the bottom of it because I expected nothing less than this from you and the St. Petersburg Times. Way to ruin a positive season.

[Ari Hinkelberger]

How is this a "horseshit article?"

HA.

Another one of those Green and Gold glasses guy.

You got a player for USF that has been flat out promoted because of his off the field persona. All of which seems to be full of crap.

You have his wife saying that she did most of his school work for him and that he hasn't been home in 2 months.

How is that not a "sports issue?"

Is it a "sports issue" when a player from USF is being accused by his wife of academic cheating.

You sound like a moron.

[JT]

First off, we need to get all of the facts before we criticize anyone. For all we know, she could be lying. If she IS telling the truth, how much of it is true? Let's hear Ben's side of it first. If she wrote his papers for him, then she's as guilty as he is.

Supposing that everything she says is 100% true, this is still a reflection on him, not USF. It is very unlikely that Leavitt, Genshaft, or anyone at the University knew what was going on. If they did, and it can be proven, THEN and ONLY THEN do you have a right to criticize the university.

So you wanna talk about character issues at schools? How about UCF hiring George O'Leary as their HEAD COACH? Man was caught lying on his resume. What about the FSU cheating scandals? What, 36 players? What about the UF player who was arrested for trying to steal a car, but he was let off by the business owners who were pressured to do nothing. And Miami. Well, I don't need to really go there, do I?

My point is, that stuff happens at EVERY school. An individuals actions are not an indictment on the school. In fact, I was quite impressed that not a single USF player was ruled academically ineligible for the bowl game...meaning that they all made the grade. So stick that in your pipe and smoke it.

[Ari Hinkelberger]

Not only that idiot.

But if you read Brett McMurphy's article -- Moffits wifes friend is a teacher and says that she doctored class "sit in" hours for him because she wanted to help the family.

THEN -- they e-mailed papers that they wrote for Ben.

You are so blind you couldn't find a nut in a planters jar.

moron

[Ari Hinkelberger]

That really wasn't Peter Warrick in the security camera at Dillards. It was a guy that looked like Peter Warrick -- and it was all a setup. The St Pete Times shouldnt' run an article until they get Peter Warricks side of the story.

Glad to know you graduated from the same school I did.

[Herman Momart]

I cant believe people are calling out Auman. We are lucky USF is still small time and this story is being kept local. If this was the starting star LB at UF, USC, Michigan etc. It would be all over ESPN and national news, especially if all season they were praising the guy for his family value. What a joke.

I read in the Bullspen that someone with the user name 352Bull posted the same story and a moderator didnt post it because they didnt think it was true or it was a joke. I worked in that rathole of Bushnell before and isnt that a 352 area code? coincidence? maybe, but i wouldnt doubt if that was her or a friend.

I am a mans man and I can almost guarantee I know what happened. He cheated on with an attractive girl who likes him (or acts like it) and he wants to hit the bricks. Leaves 6 weeks ago, they still keep in contact. he is being shady, she believes she will get him back. The new girl keeps getting better and better and he cuts off all contact. Its my style too, no confrontation, just avoid the chick and eventually they will fade away. Now thats ok for me I have no kids, for him different story, he is not a mans man, i can still be. Next, Shauna, having the women gene "crazy", calls up Mr. Auman and gives him a great juicy story on a dinner plate. Mature? No, on her part only though. Auman, just doing his job. A great job at that because it obviously is valid and grabbing lots of attention.

again feel terrible for the kids. kids shouldnt be having kids. gotta love white trash. Act like adults Moffits. sad

[Mike Lakeland]

wow, Herman...your third paragraph sums it up quite nicely. Seriously. You put it in a way that is easy to break down.

I didn't look at it that way until just now!

[Adam]

I did some research, and the Ben bashers are completely correct.

No person ever to attend UCF, UM, UF, or FSU has ever been divorced. None, it's a remarkable statistic really.

I love how people look at this and say, well, that's the program for you. USF graduates more players than any of those schools. Deal with it. I bet that Ben went to CJL and said, "coach, my wife is a little hefty now, so I am going to leave her and stop supporting my children". Then, I am sure that Leavitt's response was "Ben, I think that is a great idea. I saw a girl on campus just the other day that I think would be great for you, I'll try to set you too up".

- OR, IS IT POSSIBLE THAT HIS PERSONAL LIFE IS JUST THAT---PERSONAL. Why does everyone assume that the coaches/university not only knew of the situation, but also supported it????

Wasn't Dante Culpepper part of the "love boat" scandal in Minnesota? Typical UCF recruit right there. Anyone know where I can get a free cell phone?

[DELdaBULL]

The lady is jilted and angry. She wanted her story out. Greg wrote it. If you take the time to READ, it it is a very good and fair job by Greg. Ben felt he should not respond to these acussations because it is a PERSONAL affair, so he is taking care of it with his LAWYER.

Greg, great job keep up the good work.

[steve]

Ari all FSU grads are as stupid as yoou are so you are not alone

[Pcart]

First, this is Moffitt’s mistake, but these are the problems that all big time college football programs deal with. The difference is USF lacks the big dollar boosters the cover it up. I’m sure she helped, if not did, his homework; this happens with every college football program. If the story is true than Moffitt should not get a degree, if the university knew about it, that I’m sure the NCAA will act. Don’t bring UCF, FSU, UF, or UM in on this. This has nothing to do with them. I read a commit above “I guess all the ridicule from the UCF players and fans got to him”
That’s crap. My guess is he wants to ditch the wife before the Draft. But that’s just my opinion. The guy made a mistake when he married the girl…hell he probably has been cheating on her with college chicks anyway.

[Mike Gundy]

I'm a man.....I'm 40!

To: JT

Hey the UF player was trying to get his own car back. Not steal!! get your facts str8. And some of the FSU players had injury's, not all academic dishonesty!

[james]

When a marriage is having problems there are always two sides of the story and the truth is somewhere in the middle. Remember not too long ago Tony Parker was accused of cheating on his wife and many people rushed to judgement. Then the truth came out that the whole thing was a made up story. I'm not saying this is the case here but Don't rush to judgement.

[Jay]

Mike,
Dude? DUDE??

[SV]

Does anyone know if the basketball game is going to be simulcasted on ABC Saturday? The game is on ESPN Fullcourt and usually they put it on a local channel.

[GoGators]

USF= Cheating Bums.
Jim Leavitt= trash...thats why he recruits trash

maybe she is crazy and he is being careful

[Bob Saget]

Please stop sending your videos. They aren't funny.

[tom]

One thing you can count on out of UF is arrogance about their program. Aren't the Gaytors the ones that had a dozen arrests this year? I am so glad to be able to say I am not a Gaytor.

[Al]

Greg didn't write this story, Shauna Moffitt did, she's been writing all of his Bulls articles for the past 5 years!!!

[Michael Vick]

Ben, wait till you are in the NFL to pull this kind of crap. That way you already have your pay day and the courts will be light on your white butt. Leavitt needs to do a better job a prepping these guys for life.

[dick vitale]

All these comments are Crazy Baby. Absolutely Crazy Baby. My head is going to explode. Ben Moffitt, I love you baby, but you need to stop takin it to the whole and pass the rock baby.

[Al]

Ben should should hire George O'Leary to write his resume.

[Daniel.]

Herman Momart, this sotry, not big? It's in the New York times. It will only get bigger.

Hate to take a shot at greg, but this is getting low.

[Brian]

Wow, USF is really filled with losers on and off the field.

[Bullshark]

What's next...are we going to write stories on what the current player's ex-girlfriends have to say about them? Or how about former players...Mitchell's coming to town with the Giants, lets find some girl he broke up with and print only her side, it must be the whole truth right. Angry Ex's don't exaggerate, lie and are not at all bitter. An angry Ex wouldn't take a shot unless it was 100% true...right??

Even the title of this is a bit dramatic; "He's living a lie"....he's not Political Leader from a war-torn country seeking a new identity in Tampa under a different name as a collegiate linebacker, he's a player who is seperating from his wife and both probably agreed at one point to keep this on the DL until it was final because it would be in the best interests of the children, but couldn't control herself until the draft. This is where anger and rage come with consequences; when you act with no poise to be sure and slander your Ex's and the Father of your children's reputation ( a projected NFL mid round selection), with all that is at stake, who is really losing?

I saw Ben at an apartment complex on 42nd street the other night w