As Reggie Rucker's sentencing date approaches, the former Browns receiver is claiming concussions may be connected to him embezzling roughly $100,000, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported.
Rucker, 68, pleaded guilty in February to embezzling the money from various Ohio non-profits groups, but he and his attorneys hope his history of concussions from his playing days will lighten his sentence.
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Rucker is participating in a study at the National Institute of Health that looks at the long-term effect of brain injuries. His attorneys have asked U.S. District Judge Dan Polster to push back his sentencing date from May 23 because he has another test in June. According to Rucker's attorneys, this test could explain why he decided to steal the money from the groups.
Polster complied with the defense — the new sentencing date is now set for July 14.
Rucker was convicted of cutting thousands of dollars from checks and using that money to pay off gambling debts and his mortgage. His defense team claims the seven or eight concussions he suffered over his 13-year career could explain why Rucker stole the money.
Under a plea deal, Rucker faces 21-27 months in jail.