'84 Chronology-Dupree Discussions

Event Date: February 10th, 1984

Event Description: Dupree Status

Source: United Press International

Running back Marcus Dupree met Friday with New Orleans Breakers owner Joseph C. Canizaro and President Randy Vataha to discuss his student status and his future goals.

A statement released by the U.S. Football League team said Dupree, who recently left the University of Southern Mississippi, requested the appointment to determine whether he could consider joining a USFL team.

Kenneth Fairley, who accompanied Dupree at the meeting as an advisor, said Dupree also has held discussions with the NFL.

Vataha said the meeting adhered to league guidelines that prohibit negotiations with underclassmen -- an eligibility rule currently under litigation.

“We had to set the meeting with Dupree and felt it necessary to clear the air; to determine if Marcus had indeed withdrawn from the NCAA athletic program,” Vataha said.

“That decision has not been made, and in any event, we have no interest to negotiate with him until there's a definite decision on the league's eligibility question.”

Story-(UPI)