Reggie Tucker, a former NFL wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns has withdrawn over hundreds of thousands of dollars from Cleveland charity to pay for his Las Vegas gambling debts as well as pay for his personal expenses.
Rucker, 68, has been released by US District Judge Dan Aaron Polster on $25,000 bond after a federal court hearing that lasted only 23 minutes. The prosecutors charged Rucker last week with wire fraud and making false statements to the FBI when he was questioned by agents regarding the diversion of charity funds. He is scheduled for arraignment February 24. Sentencing is scheduled for May 23.
Michael Hennenberg, Rucker's attorney, says his client currently faces 21 to 27 months of prison due to two felony counts.
"Reggie has been cooperating with the government for over a year," Hennenberg said. "He knows he was wrong, he admits responsibility and plans to pay the money back. Reggie accepts responsibility totally for his wrongful conduct and, in addition to his punishment, he will do everything possible to make it right."
Rucker used $65,000 worth of donations to pay off markers at Las Vegas. He also withdrew $48,000 at casinos in Las Vegas and Tampa, Florida. In 2014, his casino withdrawals were around $35,000.
U.S. Attorney spokesperson in Cleveland said Tuesday that the total loss were estimated to be around $100,000, but would not elaborate on the overall amount. Rucker is one of many NFL players in federal lawsuit seeking damages against the league over concussion injuries.
