Section B · Page 6
The University Daily Kansan
Wednesday, February 23, 2000
Informational Meeting Feb.28,5-7p.m.at the Kansas Union
Cintas wants to show you that college has paid off!
Positions available for interns & management trainees
Interviews scheduled at the Business Career Services Center in Summerfield. 8-5 p.m.
Vanover agrees to plea bargain
FBI probe centers on organized drug distribution network
The Associated Press
U. S. Attorney Stephen L. Hill said Vanover's agreement to aid in the probe was a helpful development.
In an affidavit last month, the FBI said the investigation was centered on a large scale, organized and structured organization involved in the distribution of cocaine and marijuana.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Tamarick Vanover, a kick return specialist for the Kansas City Chiefs, pleaded guilty yesterday to assisting in the sale of a stolen vehicle and is now cooperating in a broad federal investigation.
"I can't comment about that ongoing investigation other than to say ... we'll move forward," Hill said. He also refused to say whether any
In an affidavit filed earlier this year in connection with drug distribution charges against Vanover's personal assistant, the football player's name was mentioned repeatedly.
other NFL players might be involved.
Bam Morris, a running back for the 1999 Chiefs, was mentioned once. Morris, who has
retirement from the NFL, has not been charged.
Vanover, 25, whose touchdown punt return this season sparked the Chiefs to a 16-10 victory against Denver, faces punishment of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
"Plead guilty," Vanover said quietly when asked for his plea by U.S. District Judge Gary Fenner.
A short time earlier, before a magistrate, Vanover was released
on his own recognizance.
Vanover could face further charges. It seems unlikely he will be back with the Chiefs next year.
"As is the case with any employer, we believe in the sanctity of the legal system," Bob Moore, a Chiefs spokesman, said. "The legal system has run its course in this matter and the issue has been addressed to the requirements of law."
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league would review the case to determine whether the player was subject to possible counseling and disciplinary action.
A sentencing date has not been set.
Details of the 11-page plea agreement were not disclosed.
Federal court records have linked the ring to a smuggling operation based in Fresno, Calif., with ties to Kansas City and Nashville, Tenn. That investigation, which began in November 1997, already has led to drug-trafficking convictions of at least six men and pending criminal charges against seven others.
Fan's life saved by Thomas' death
Accident inspired use of seat belts
Associated Press
KANSAS CITY. Mo. — Martha Fisher spent years cheering for Derrick Thomas. She never dreamed that one day on a lonely stretch of Arkansas highway the death of the NFL star would help save her life.
"But there is no doubt whatsoever that's what happened," she said from her hospital bed.
Following developments hour-by-hour, the Fishers listened closely the next day when Chiefs' president and CEO Carl Peterson pointed out that the only passenger in the car who was wearing his seat belt had sustained just minor injuries. Peterson urged everyone to take a lesson from the accident and always use their seat belts.
Joe and Martha Fisher, a retired couple who have been Kansas City Chiefs season ticket holders since Lamar Hunt moved the team from Dallas, were as shocked as everyone last month when Thomas was thrown from his vehicle and paralyzed.
Four days later, the Fishers,from the suburban Kansas City area, were returning from a trip to
Martha, despite Joe's pleas, never had.
"She always said they were uncomfortable," Fisher said. "I wore mine, but she just wouldn't do it."
Martha changed her mind about seat belts the day after Thomas' accident.
"It just hit me then," she said. "I thought, 'Well, Carl and Derrick have made a believer out of me. From now on, I'm wearing my seat belt."
Thomas, a nine-time Pro Bowl linebacker and one of Kansas City's most popular athletes, died on Feb. 8 of complications from the accident.
Arkansas when their car suddenly veered out of control near Fayetteville and began to flip, just as Thomas' had done three weeks earlier in Kansas City.
Rescuers had to cut them out of their car. Joe had minor injuries, and Martha had broken ribs. Authorities at the scene assured them seat belts had saved their lives.
"We always want to believe that good things can come from tragic accidents, and this time something really did," said Martha. "I do not doubt that I would have been killed if I hadn't had my seat belt on. And it was because of what happened to poor Derrick that I was wearing it." Peterson, whose relationship with Thomas was so close they referred to each other as father and son, was gratified to hear the Fishers' story.
"Derrick readily admitted and accepted that if he'd had his seat belt on, he probably would have been in a lot better condition," Peterson said.