Forgot Log-in or  Password? |  Help  Not a member, Register Now!
 

Dennis Dodd

Former NFL player reaches out to troubled Dvoracek

EDMOND, Okla. -- We'll never know for sure how inebriated Dusty Dvoracek might have been.

His situation to this point has been painted over with code words like "alcohol-related" and "rehabilitation". There are few, if any, formal charges but lots of reported allegations involving drinking and violence. When Oklahoma's star defensive lineman was kicked off the team in September, Bob Stoops called Dvoracek's conduct "a pattern of behavior."

Bob Stoops said there was a 'pattern of behavior' that led to Dvoracek's dismissal. (Getty Images)  
Bob Stoops said there was a 'pattern of behavior' that led to Dvoracek's dismissal. (Getty Images)  
Those are labels that only hint at the depths of his problems.

But one way or another, all of it is over -- either Dvoracek's off-field conduct or his career. The NCAA already has granted him what many consider a precedent-setting mulligan -- a medical redshirt granted after he underwent alcohol abuse counseling.

With a college and NFL career to consider, he can't screw up again.

"Dusty can't drink," says Jim Riley, the man who treated him. "He gets caught drinking, it's over. He's automatically suspended. He can't even sit down and have a beer. He can't drink that way anyway, so it doesn't make any difference."

Jim Riley, 59, is candid because life hasn't pulled any punches with him. So why should he? Riley doesn't hide behind privacy concerns or code words. Riley played six seasons in the NFL, was a member of the 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins. He was an alcoholic for probably triple that amount of time. And worse.

Some members of that '72 Dolphins team made it a habit to share a bottle of champagne each year the last undefeated NFL team lost a game. Not Riley. He was way beyond that.

"I even started doing cocaine," he said. "I was out of control."

Twenty years ago he took the cure, agreeing to enter himself into rehab. Sixteen years ago his 19-year old son Blake stared him in the eye and said, "I promise you I'll never touch a drop of alcohol as long as I live, as long as you don't."

Then a couple of months later, Blake was dead in a car crash, the only fatality in car filled with three other friends traveling back from an Oklahoma football game. The promise was fulfilled, but way too early.

So when it comes to the cold, hard truth, Riley doesn't flinch. His Jim Riley Outreach ministry started shortly after Blake's death. The ministry counsels those with drug and alcohol problems.

Riley continued his abstinence, even when the depths of horrific depression tempted him. And he reasons, so can everyone else.

CONTINUED: 1 · 2 · 3 · Next »
 
 
 
 
Top College Football
 

CBSSports.com Shop

Nike Alabama Crimson Tide 2011 BCS National Champions Locker Room T-Shirt

Alabama Crimson Tide 2012 BCS National Champs
Get the Gear Shop now

Audio & Video Coverage

HawkTawk
February 16, 2012 7:00 PM ET

The Wylie Workouts [Feb. 15, 2012]
February 15, 2012 3:00 AM ET

50's star goes into Mizzou HOF
February 14, 2012 3:45 PM ET

4-14-12
February 14, 2012 9:28 AM ET

Head Football Coach Mike Riley introduces Rod Perry, OSU Secondary Coach to Beaver Nation.
February 14, 2012 3:00 AM ET

It Is A Good Life
February 14, 2012 3:00 AM ET

2011 Football Season Highlight DVD Trailer
February 14, 2012 3:00 AM ET

2011 Football Top Plays - Honorable Mention - BYU
February 14, 2012 3:00 AM ET

Rich DeMarco talks to the Army quarterback after Monday morning's practice.
February 13, 2012 10:00 AM ET

Offseason Update, Part 2
February 13, 2012 3:00 AM ET

Check out this recap of the 2012 Oregon State football recruiting class.
February 12, 2012 3:00 AM ET

Sam Acho is an NCAA Top VIII recipient [Feb. 11, 2012]
February 11, 2012 3:00 AM ET

Tyrone Duplessis Memorial Video
February 10, 2012 9:00 PM ET

FB: New Coaching Staff Interviews
February 10, 2012 2:00 PM ET

FB: Coach Kelly Staff Changes Presser
February 10, 2012 10:00 AM ET

2011 FSU Football Rewind: FSU vs. Miami
February 10, 2012 3:00 AM ET

Football Friday: Winter Field Workouts
February 10, 2012 3:00 AM ET

Inside Iowa: Feb. 10, 2012
February 10, 2012 3:00 AM ET

2011 Season Highlight Video
February 10, 2012 3:00 AM ET

HawkTawk
February 9, 2012 7:00 PM ET

LOUISVILLE - CardsTV - Football Winter Mat Drills II
February 9, 2012 3:00 AM ET

Inside Iowa: Feb. 9, 2012
February 9, 2012 3:00 AM ET