'87 Chronology-London Calling

Event Date: December 1st, 1987

Event Description: Dupree Done

Source: UPI

Running back Marcus Dupree, who suffered a career-ending knee injury, has agreed with Lloyd's of London to an out-of-court settlement on a $4.53 million insurance policy, his longtime advisor confirmed Wednesday.

Doctors say Dupree should never again play football, but advisor Kenneth Fairley said Dupree is considering playing professional baseball.

“Marcus wants to compete athletically in some field, if possible,” said Fairley, adding that Dupree has been playing in a local softball league. “This is a hard time for Marcus with all the football on TV.”

Dupree underwent additional orthoscopic surgery for cartilage damage Monday.

Dupree, who tore his knee ligaments while playing for the USFL's Portland Breakers, had filed a federal suit to be named the direct beneficiary of a $4.53 million insurance policy taken out on him by the now-defunct Breakers.

Lloyd's, in documents filed in federal court, claimed the policy benefits belonged to the Breakers and not Dupree. But last week, Lloyd's, the Breakers, Inc., and the United States National Bank of Oregon agreed to settle with Dupree.

“Marcus is very happy with the amount of the settlement,” Fairley said in a telephone interview. “Some players are forced to come back after serious injuries for financial reasons. Fortunately, Marcus doesn't have to.”

Fairley refused to disclose the amount of the settlement, but said agreement was reached Nov. 4 in Hattiesburg.

Dupree, a high school star from Philadelphia, Miss., was considered a Heisman trophy contender his sophomore year at Oklahoma, but he disappeared midway through the sophomore season. He subsequently resurfaced and enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi, then signed with the then-New Orleans Breakers of the USFL in March 1984.

Source:(UPI Modified)