NFL washout sells ring at pawnshop

[CHS_Grad '85]

NORM: NFL washout sells ring at pawnshop

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Aug-18-Wed-2004/photos/phillips.jpg
Lawrence Phillips pawns football ring.


Trouble-prone football star Lawrence Phillips apparently hit rock bottom in Las Vegas.

Phillips, an NFL bust after helping Nebraska to consecutive national titles in the mid-1990s, walked into a downtown Las Vegas pawnshop not long ago and sold one of his Big Eight championship rings for $20.

"He said he was stuck in Las Vegas," said Steve Gibson, owner of Steve's Buy & Sell, 625 Las Vegas Blvd. South. "He said, `I need to get out of town.' "

Gibson, who turned around and sold the ring on eBay for $1,700, said he tried to talk Phillips out of selling it. "I thought about giving him $20, but he would have just walked down the street and sold it."

Phillips, the sixth player taken in the 1996 draft, by the St. Louis Rams, ran afoul of the law throughout his pro career.

Phillips told Gibson he tried to hawk the ring "at every pawnshop from Tropicana to downtown," but nobody was interested because it was not gold.

"His name was on the side of the ring, but I didn't believe it was him until I saw his driver's license," Gibson said.

Review Journal (http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Aug-18-Wed-2004/news/24563778.html)
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:doh: Here's his sign... idiot...

[Phil C]

A sad case. Gibson still should have tried to have given him some of that money that he made on it in my opinion just out of decency. A message to athletes is very few are able to get into the big money so use your athletic skills to not only play well but get a good college education. Remember studies come first and athletics second. Sure we want you to play well and participage but not at neglecting your studies. Please don't blow the opportunities you have in your studies and athletics.

[Z motion 10 out on 2]

Phil C -- you said it. Career ending injuries, always young competition on the rise, it is tough. Get what money you can, but the education is the most important thing.

Sad day for that fellow.

[JasperDog94]

It's really hard to sell education first to some athletes. We, as a country, don't celebrate or academic acheivements like we do our athletic achievements. Until that's turned around, some people just won't ever get it.

[BrahmaMom]

I hope young players are reading this and realizing "There but for the grace of God, go I"...sad, sad story. Study, get that education and listen to wise advisors. What a pity.

[AggieJohn]

i saw that on sportscenter last night....

[D. R. Hooks]

I wonder if he could get on somewhere as a RB coach, or maybe he could resurface in arena ball....

Nice logo, Liberty

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