A while back, when Chris Rainey, a top Florida recruit, gave his verbal to the Gators... he made a couple of comments regarding "it was a good thing to verbal early because once fans know you're on board, good things start happening for you".
There were some question about what these "good things" were.
Now, this past Tuesday, Rainey was quoted in the Miami Herald:
"Then there are the rewards that come with recognition. Rainey said a local clothing vendor recently gave him a bag full of sports jerseys and jewelry in exchange for his autograph. Another time, an elderly woman approached him at a restaurant, gave him a hug and handed him a wad of cash.
''I didn't even count it,'' Rainey said. ``When I walk around, people are buying me food, giving me money. I'm like, damn, I'm glad I'm Chris Rainey. It's real nice to be me.''
And on Wednesday... this:
"A Lakeland High School football player is under investigation for allegedly accepting gifts that could violate rules of amateurism, according to the Florida High School Athletic Association.
Chris Rainey, Lakeland's star senior running back, told The Miami Herald he received sports jerseys and jewelry from a Lakeland clothing vendor in exchange for an autograph. He also said he received cash from an unknown elderly woman."
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/16173414.htm
This kid will need someone like Willie Williams' attorney.
... and I'm real sure he will have one... and he will be very good... and very free!!
Click to expand...