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Wednesday, October 24, 1990 / University Daily Kansan
NFL kicker linked to drug probe
The Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings place-kicker Donald Igweibu is being investigated in connection with allegations, ABC News reported last night.
ABC reported that the U.S. attorney's office in Tampa, Fla., had irrelevant evidence linking Igwebuke to an attempt to smuggle heroin into the United States from Nigeria, his home country.
The player's name surfaced about two weeks ago when a Nigerian was arrested by customs agents at the Orlando Airport, ABC stated. The Nigerian, a school teacher, had 31 students in his stomach, authorities said.
The ABC report quoted law enforcement officials as saying that Iglebueba bought the alleged drug courier's ticket and participated in phone conversations that indicated he was aware of the deal.
Igweibuke worked out with the Vikings at their Eden Prairie, Minn., practice facility yesterday. ABC said he confirmed that he was the subject of an investigation but wouldn't answer specific questions. Igweibuke told the reporter to talk to his attorney.
Igwebuike's attorney, Larry E Reed, could not be reached for comment.
U. S. Custom officials obtained a search warrant yesterday for Igwebuke's apartment in the Minneapolis suburb of Bloomington, ABC said.
Mike Powers of the Drug Enforcement Administration in Tampa said that there was no outstanding warrant for Iweibaite's arrest.
"A warrant has not been issued. To say anything else would be a disservice," he said.
The U.S. attorney's office and the U.S. Customs Service office in Tampa were closed.
Customs officials in Miami declined to comment on any details in the ABC report.
"At this time, we can neither confirm nor deny an investigation into heroin smuggling and the NFL," said Michael Sheehan, spokesperson for the U.S. Customs Service in Miami.
The FBI said it was not involved in the investigation.
Igwebukie, 29, spent five years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Vikings signed him this season.
"We have not been contacted by federal authorities. We have talked with Donald Igweibue and his attorney about the matter. We have conducted an investigation and they are looking into the allegations," the Vikings said in a prepared
The Vikings said that any decisions on Igwebuke's playing status would be made by the NFL.
statement last night.
spokesperson Merrill Swanson said the team would have no other comment.
NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello said the league would have no comment until it learned more.
Igwebukhe has made 75.44 percent of his field goal attempts, fourth best in NFL history. He has 464 career points.
He was cut by Tampa Bay before the season after spending five years establishing himself as one of the league's most dependable kickers. With 416 points, he was the Buccaneers all-time scoring leader.
Tampa Bay coach Ray Perkins said Igwehbuke was released in favor of rookie Steve Christie because he was one of the team's most especially when it came to kickoffs.
Both Perkins and Igwebuke have publicly downplayed their relationship, but Igwebuke considered being cut "a slap in the face." He has also said he didn't like Perkins. Igwebuke said that by most of the Buccaneers' players.
The Vikings claimed Igweibuke waivers after coming to a contract impasse with Rich Karlis, who has since signed with the Detroit Lions.
Vikings need GM, commissioner says The Associated Press
MINNENAPOLIS — NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue wants an interim general manager for the Minnesota Vikings to replace Mike Lyman, a newspaper reporter yesterday.
When Lynn accepted the position as president of the World League of American Football last week, he said he was happy to be part of the team through its game against Green Bay on Sunday.
The Minnesotaapolis Star Tribune, quoting an NFL source, reported yesterday that Tagliabe was worried that a lack of leadership during the interim period could cause lasting damage to the franchise.
Meanwhile, the ongoing feud over ownership of the Vikings apparently still is unresolved after lawyers representing the two groups grouped with Ttagilabe in Washington.
Milwaukee pitcher becomes free agent
The Associated Press
Milwaukee pitcher Ted Higuaire and nine other players filed for agency yesterday, increasing the number of three days following the World Series.
Higuera, who made $2,125,000 this season with Milwaukee, is among the top available pitchers in this year's group of free agents, along with pitches Bob Welch of Oakland and Dave Righetti of the New York Yank
Higuera, a former 20-game winner,
struggled this season to an 11-10
record with a 7.6 ERA while being
limited by injuries to 27 starts.
Also filing yesterday were Atlanta infielder Jim Presley, Boston outfielder Tom Brunansky, Detroit pitcher Dan Petry, Kansas City pitcher Steve Farr, Los Angeles second baseman-outfielder Juan Samuel, Minnesota outfielder John Moses, Pittsburgh outfielder R.J. Smith, third baseman Terry Pendleton and Saint Louis pitcher John Tutdor.
Meanwhile, the New York Mets exercised a 1991 contract option on pitcher Alejandro Pena for $1 million rather than exercising a $300,000
buyout clause
St. Louis placed outfielder Dave Collins on the voluntary retired list. Collins would have been eligible to file for free agency
Pitchers Dave Smith of Houston and Jim Gitt of Los Angeles were offered salary arbitration by their teams yesterday. If they had not been offered arbitration, they would have the right to file for free agency.
Los Angeles told catcher Rick Dempsey that it would not offer him arbitration. That means he can file for free agency starting tomorrow.
Brunanyski, acquired by Boston from St. Louis, batted .267 with 15 home runs and 7 RBIs. He helped Boston to the American League East title with five home runs in the final full week of the season.
Reynolds also played for a division winner, batting .288 with no homers and 19 RBIs in 215 at-bats for Pittsburgh.
Samuel and Presley both had subpar seasons. Samuel, who has had difficulty switching to the outfield, battled 242 for Los Angeles with 13 home runs, 52 RBIs and 39 stolen bases.
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Sign of the season
Changing colors. Cool, crisp air. Football Saturdays. It must be time for the one-of-a-kind taste of a Runza sandwich.
Seasoned ground beef filling, cabbage and onions, wrapped and baked inside homemade bread. Also available with cheese.
Celebrate the best of times with Runza. The season just wouldn't be the same without it.
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Do you have ghosts on your boxes?
Happy Halloween!
Love, Me.
Choose From These Four Designs.
Missy and Mindy,
Hope your Halloween
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Love, Julie
1 by 1 $6.00
1 by 2 $10.00
Deadline Friday, October 26 Personals will be published October 31.
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