Dolphins' Jared Odrick victimized by investment advisor

You've heard the story before. Pro athlete with a lot of money puts his trust in someone that he really doesn't know but figures what's the worse that can happen. All of a sudden, the athlete gets taken for a lot of money before he catches on.

This story involving Miami Dolphins defensive end Jared Odrick is just a bit different than the rest. Odrick was ripped off by an investment advisor. Here comes the twist. The advisor was cleared by the NFLPA. Yes, the union that is supposed to protect people like Odrick from such predators green lighted the guy that ripped him off for a substantial amount of money.

Odrick has filed a lawsuit with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, claims he was one of more than 50 people swindled by Success Trade, the investment firm referred to Odrick.


“They cleared this guy,” said Jeffrey Erez, who along with his partner, Jeffrey Sonn, and Aaron Resnick is representing Odrick in the suit.

“That’s what the horrible part is. Jared’s a good kid. He did exactly what he was supposed to do.”

The “guy” to which Erez referred is Jinesh “Hodge” Brahmbhatt, a suburban Washington-based investment advisor who until recently was a registered stock broker at Success Trade Securities, Inc. — the subject of several fraud-related investigations.

And the “they” to which Erez referred is the NFL Players’ Association, which Erez claims gave Brahmbhatt “the stamp of approval” when Odrick inquired about him before investing.


An email requesting a comment from George Atallah, an NFLPA spokesman, was not immediately returned Saturday.

I feel bad for him and all people who get screwed like that. The answer is to have much more severe penalties for white collar crimes. On the other hand before giving someone the reins to your money you have must do your due diligence. Hopefully everything works out for Odrick and he learns something from this.

Andre Johnson hopes the Texans draft a receiver in the first round

Leave the drafting up to Andre Johnson and the Houston Texans would be drafting a wide receiver in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Johnson told reporters that he hopes the Texans draft a receiver in the first round with the 27th selection. The last time the Texans drafted a receiver in the first round was in 2003 when they drafted Johnson.

“I’d like to have another (receiver),” Johnson said Saturday at his annual football camp for kids. “I’m all for it. I’ve asked for it for awhile. The more weapons we have, the better it’ll be for the team.”

Kevin Walter has been released due to salary cap issues but Texans general manager Rick Smith drafted DeVier Posey and  Keshawn Martin in last year's draft and may not find the need to to one of the top rated receivers in the draft. Picking 27th the Texans are in best player available land right now.

But that won't keep Johnson from wishing that the team takes another receiver.

“If we’re able to add another guy, it would probably be the best group of receivers we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Johnson said. “Adding another guy (to go with) Posey, Lestar (Jean) and Keshawn — that’s a lot of talent. Not only would it be good for now, but it would be good for our future.”

“If we draft a receiver, I’m going to help him as much as I can,” Johnson said. “I’ll answer any questions he has because I want him to perform well.”

It remains to be seen if Johnson gets his wish granted but we all know that players don't necessarily make good general managers.

Terrell Owens eyeing the Chicago Bears for a possible comeback

The last time we saw Terrell Owens he was trying to latch on with the Seattle Seahawks. He didn't make it but Owens has had lots of time to keep himself in shape with the hope of catching the eye of another NFL team.

A report by David Kaplan from CSNChicago.com says Owens has an eye on the Chicago Bears for a possible comeback. Owens is hoping that his past with Bears coach Marc Trestman will help him get a job in Chicago. Owens has been working out with former NFL linebacker and Illinois State Senator Napoleon Harris.

Owens is reportedly in great shape despite not playing since 2011.

"I played my first early years in San Francisco with [Bears head coach Marc Trestman] and shortly after that, he left to do some things," he said. "I haven't talked to Marc in a long while. I know he's gone on and done some things, now he's back in the NFL. So, I never really thought about it until myself and Napoleon were talking about it earlier, but I would definitely welcome it if they would give it some serious consideration. To think about [Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall] on the other side and me on one side, that's really dangerous. I'm keeping myself in shape just for any opportunity that may come about."

Being in shape has never been a problem for Owens. In the past it's been his mouth and attitude. Nowdays it's his hands that are betraying him.

"The guy was a great player and he is in tremendous physical shape," Harris said. "We worked out this morning and after we ran five miles, he did sprints and lifted and he looks great. The Bears would be smart to give him an opportunity. He is motivated and ready to play."

Even though Owens played in Trestman's system when both were with the San Francisco 49ers, there's no guarantee that Owens will get a call from the Bears coach.

Owens is doing his best to sell himself to the Bears but with Alshon Jeffery looking like he might be ready to come into his own I doubt the Bears will give Owens a chance to prove he has something left to give.

New Mexico coach Craig Neal's wife accused of battery

Newly hired New Mexico basketball coach Craig Neal is already dealing with off court issues but it doesn't involve any of his players. Neal's wife Janet has been accused of battery for allegedly grabbing a school official after one of her son's high school basketball games, police reports and the district attorney's office confirm.

This is the same high school team their son Cullen plays for, who will be attending New Mexico on a basketball scholarship after being released by St. Mary's.

 Eldorado High School assistant principal Susan Stanojevic told police that after a Feb. 21 game, Janet Neal "lunged at me and aggressively grabbed my left arm, yanking me to face her," according to an Albuquerque Police Department report. "At the same time, she put her face close to mine and in an angry, loud voice, stated, 'the next time you want to accuse me of using profanity at a basketball game, you need to talk to me first.'"

Mrs. Neal had been accusesd of yelling profanities and verbally abusing the referees following a game that involved her son.

 The case was referred to the Bernalillo County district attorney as battery on a school employee, a fourth-degree felony that carries a maximum prison sentence of 18 months, and is under review, according to spokeswoman Kayla Anderson.

Following the initial confrontation, Albuquerque Public Schools officers asked Neal to leave the area, but she resisted, reports show.

"I then advised (Mrs.) Neal she could leave in handcuffs or on her own. That was up to her," community service officer L.G. Valenzuela said in his report.

In a supplementary report by APD investigator officer Christian Baker, Neal said that she "did not grab Susan forcefully nor did she threaten her."

Janet Neal has denied allegations to police and her attorney.

I feel this could've been handled differently unless Mrs. Neal is so intimidating that the cops had to be called in. On the other hand Mrs. Neal sounds worse than some of the fathers out there who get a little too involved with their kids' sports teams.

Broncos-Ravens highlight NFL week one schedule

After a devastating playoff loss sending the high flying Super Bowl ready Broncos home early, and sending the Baltimore Ravens on the road to win the second Super Bowl of legendary linebacker Ray Lewis's career. The Broncos have been chomping at the bit for the last 3 months to know when they will get their shot at revenge against the defending Super Bowl champs, and they won't have to wait long as the Ravens will be making the trip into the Mile High city on week one for a rematch of the double overtime thriller in Denver last postseason.

Cordell Broadus, Snoop Dogg's son, gets a scholarship offer from USC

First Lil' Romeo attended USC on a basketball scholarship. Then P Diddy's son went to UCLA on a football ride. Nate Dogg's son might be headed to Oregon. Now USC has offered Snoop Dogg's son, Cordell Broadus a scholarship.

The Trojans aren't the only program interested in Broadus,who will sign with the class of 2015 . The 6-foot-2 and 180-pound wide receiver has scholarships from Pac-12 Conference schools Cal, Oregon State, UCLA and Washington. In terms of being recognized nationally, that could be on the horizon considering he possess an ACC offer from Duke.

Snoop is a Trojan fan and USC has long been a favorite of Cordell.


“Things are happening fast, it's crazy, I haven't had the chance to tell my parents or my dad about the USC offer yet,'' Broadus said. “I'm going to tell him soon. He's going to be shocked and happy at the same time. In the end, he won't put pressure on me to pick a college. He's like any other dad and wants the best for his kid in the future.''

“I have nothing but good things to say about USC. It's one of the best schools in the nation. I like coaching staff too. It's a good look for me. I'm not ready to make a decision and commit or anything. The plan is to ride this thing out. I want to take my time with recruiting. I'll pick my college during my senior season.''

Cordell is intent on emerging from his famous father's shadow and is eager to make a name for himself.

I know that Snoop probably wants his son to make the college choice himself, but deep down he wouldn't mind seeing Cordell suit up for the Trojans on Saturdays.

Mitch McGary, Glenn Robinson III returning to Michigan

University of Michigan basketball fans can breathe a little easier today after freshman Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III both pledged to stay another year at Michigan. Guards Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. recently gave up their remaining eligibility to go to the NBA.


Both players sought evaluations of the NBA stock with the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee and had until April 28 to make their decisions. ESPN.com's Chad Ford had Robinson and McGary both going in the first round.


"After gathering all the information and sitting down with my family, I've decided to continue my career here at Michigan," McGary said. "There's still plenty for me to work on and get better as a player and a person. I'm excited for what lies ahead."


"We feel like this university has a lot to offer us and we're excited to come back for another season, and hopefully competing in another national championship and take this university for a ride we haven't been on yet," Robinson said.

Their return eases the sting out of Burke's and Hardaway's departure. With incoming freshman Derrick Walton Jr., Zak Irvin and Mark Donnal, also the return of sharpshooter Nik Stauskas, the Wolverines should be formidable in the Big Ten.