Allegations: Santonio Thomas
More in this article:
Nevin Shaprio on Thomas: Play audio
Miami booster Nevin Shapiro alleges he provided multiple extra benefits to Santonio Thomas during the player's career with the Hurricanes. Among the benefits he claimed to have provided:
- Santonio Thomas
Position: Defensive tackle
![]()
Rivals recruiting rank: Unranked. Thomas was a USA Today All-American in the Class of 2000.
Miami career: Thomas was a solid four-year rotational player at defensive tackle for the Hurricanes. He signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He is currently a backup for the New England Patriots.
• Meals at Miami area restaurants.
• Entertainment on Shapiro's $1.6 million yacht.
• Food, drinks and entertainment during private parties at venues rented out by Shapiro.
Corroborating accounts
• One source corroborated Thomas being entertained aboard Shapiro's yacht.
• Yahoo! Sports also acquired a photo of Thomas at a dinner with Shapiro, Jonathan Vilma and Vince Wilfork at Japanese steakhouse Benihana. Shapiro and a second source said the photo was taken in 2003, and that the booster paid the bill for the meal.
In Shapiro's words
• "Santonio Thomas was living with Vince Wilfork. I got him a job working with my friend Ricky. He was in the club scene with us – not so much in the club scene, but more for the private parties I used to throw for the players at mansions. [He] was on the boat a number of times and was fishing with us, also."
Nevin Shapiro and a second source say this photo was taken at Japanese steakhouse Benihana in 2003. The dinner, which was paid for by Shapiro, was attended by players Jonathan Vilma (standing on left), Santonio Thomas (standing on right) and Vince Wilfork (seated in red on right).
Photos special to Yahoo! Sports
Could not be reached for comment.
