TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online
Moffitt's Wife Says She Wrote Papers, Took Classes For USF Linebacker
Tribune file photo [2006]
Patrick St. Louis, left, and Ben Moffitt at USF football media day at Raymond James Stadium.
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Published: January 4, 2008
Updated: 01/04/2008 12:33 am
TAMPA - Shauna Moffitt, the wife of University of South Florida senior linebacker Ben Moffitt, said she wrote nearly every paper for him during his five years at USF and also completed two online courses for him.
"Ben Moffitt has never written a paper," Shauna said. "Never. Ever. I love him, but he doesn't know how to spell. He cheats."
Ben Moffitt, 23, who filed for divorce on Thursday from his wife of five years, called the accusations "hearsay. That's all I can say. It's very unfortunate for my kids," he said, referring all questions to his attorneys. Ben Moffitt left his wife and 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter on Nov. 11, Shauna said.
Shauna Moffitt, 26, e-mailed to The Tampa Tribune copies of six assignments she said she wrote for her husband between Jan. 17, 2007, and Oct. 10, 2007. She said she wrote all of the assignments on her computer at the Sumter County appraiser's office, where she is a data specialist.
Sheree Ellis, Shauna's twin sister, also provided copies of three papers from her home computer in Wildwood that she said she wrote for Ben Moffitt when he was pursuing an education degree. Those papers are dated between Nov. 6, 2005, and March 24, 2006. Stephanie Jordan, the mother of Shauna and Sheree, said she was aware her daughters wrote papers for Ben.
A four-year starter at USF, Ben Moffitt completed his eligibility in Monday's Sun Bowl. If it is found that Moffitt committed academic fraud, the school could be subject to NCAA investigation.
USF coach Jim Leavitt would not comment. Defensive coordinator Wally Burnham, who is Moffitt's linebackers coach, said he had no knowledge of Moffitt not doing his own school work.
"It's hearsay, it's a domestic issue and there's nothing at this point to consider," university spokesman Ken Gullette said.
Ben Moffitt retained attorneys Mary Hatcher and A.J. Roye on Thursday. Roye would not address the specific allegations that Moffitt's wife did his class work and online courses.
"Our comment is the media is the improper place to try these things," Roye said. "But without a doubt, she's attempting to damage him. Whether it's true or not, she's attempting to damage his reputation and will have an effect on his children and she's harming the family."
Among the papers Ellis said she wrote for Moffitt and provided to the Tribune was one for his Intro to Education and Field Experience class in which Moffitt described visiting Ellis' first-grade class. Ellis said it was part of Moffitt's class requirement to observe 15 hours during a semester.
However, Ellis said Moffitt never observed her classroom, but she filled out the paperwork indicating he had.
"He asked me for my help," Ellis said. "I knew he had football. He was a dad, he was going to school. I wanted to help, because everything I did to help was for him to get his degree and help Shauna and the children."
Ellis said she stopped writing papers for Moffitt in the spring of 2006 when he changed his major from education to communications. USF sports information director Chris Freet confirmed that Moffitt's major is communications.
Moffitt carried 14 hours this past semester.
The Moffitts were married June 16, 2002, the summer before Ben's senior year at South Sumter High School.
After Ben left the family on Nov. 11, the Sunday after USF played Syracuse, Shauna said she didn't know Ben's whereabouts and that he stopped using his scholarship money to make the mortgage payment.
Frustrated, Shauna said she drove to Tampa on Dec. 3 and went to the USF coaching offices, where she talked to graduate assistant Patrick St. Louis.
"Pat's exact words: 'I know your name should be on that diploma. I know you did all the work,'" Shauna said.
St. Louis denied that conversation took place. He said he hasn't seen Shauna since "one of the football games" and he did not talk to her in the coaches' office. Burnham said he met with Shauna on Dec. 3 in his office and remembered seeing St. Louis talking with Shauna.
Burnham said his conversation with Shauna was about the Moffitts' marital situation and nothing was mentioned about academic accusations.
Shauna said neither Burnham nor Leavitt was aware she had written papers for Ben, but it was common knowledge among the players, including St. Louis, who played linebacker the past four years and is in his first season as a graduate assistant at USF.
"We were a team," Shauna said. "I did the papers in order for Ben to play. I'd write his paper and he'd go clean the kitchen.
"I wrote those papers because I love him and I was trying to help our future. I don't want to do anything that won't please Christ. I'm tired of him being portrayed as Mr. Wonderful. He's been awful, awful to me and these kids for two months."
Shauna initially e-mailed the Tribune on Thursday morning that Ben was being falsely portrayed in the media.
USF had heavily promoted Moffitt to the media as a devout family man, pushing him for national honors with the phrase: "Linebacker. Leader. Husband. Father."
He was the focus of features by the New York Times and ESPN in part because of his daily 110-mile round-trip drive from the family's South Sumter home to USF.
He earned All-Big East honors, was a third-team All-American and was nominated for various national defensive awards, including the Butkus Award and Lott Trophy.
In El Paso, Texas, last week for the Sun Bowl, Moffitt told the Tribune about the difficulty of his five years juggling school, family and football.
"It's extremely hard, but you find a way to do it," Moffitt said. "It's been a long road the last five years."
Moffitt is projected as USF's third-best NFL draft prospect and is expected to be a mid-round selection.
"I'm not a liar, I don't have anything to hide," Shauna said. "I'm still supporting Ben. We have two children.
"I keep waking up and hoping he wakes up. This isn't the real Ben."
Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com.
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Reader Comments
Posted by ( berlinil ) on January 4, 2008 at 3:04 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Real mature, nice way of handeling it. What a b_ _ _ h! Can you say white trash.
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Posted by ( MrTampa ) on January 4, 2008 at 6:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
White trash indeed! Typical nasty, vindictive woman. Way to teach the kids how to handle a situation like this...
You'd think the greedy bit*h would have just stayed quiet until he rolled in a high $$ NFL deal, then started trashing his name.
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Posted by ( slow2anger ) on January 4, 2008 at 7:21 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think this happens quite a bit in the college arena. Her actions are vindictive, but he probably did not have the true love for the “family” portrayed in the media. His eyes were on the prize, not an education. Trash ? not sure she could be considered as a trashy person since she was able to help him through. She probably knows his attention had turned to a celebrity, model, or someone else and she is protecting what she and her children deserve. Besides, if he does not make it professionally, having a good education would be nice to fall back on.
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Posted by ( cjf7793 ) on January 4, 2008 at 7:33 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Of course she is vindictive. She does all the work for 5 years then just as he is about to collect big NFL $ he jettisons her. Let's see, alimony and child support based on a "student athlete's" earnings or on a NFL linebacker's earnings. Hmmm doesn't take a herculian mental effort to see who is "the greedy bit*h".
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Posted by ( ohbaby714 ) on January 4, 2008 at 7:43 a.m.
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Posted by ( Leena ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Real smart lady! TRY to Reduce your soon to be ex's salary that way you can get less for your kids in child support!
Don't rob a bank with her she will tell on you even though she and her clone wrote the robbery note and drove!
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Posted by ( savagenation ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This should not even be a story. What a load of BS.
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Posted by ( ipitythefoo1908 ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
two things:
1. if the allegations about her writing papers and completing courses for him are true, she's just as at fault/moronic as he is.
2. ...and people wonder why i'm never getting married.
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Posted by ( MyVoice ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:11 a.m.
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Posted by ( cmurtha ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:20 a.m.
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Posted by ( Yankee ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Wow, sounds like she's angry. We don't know all the facts. There's a reason why he filed for divorce. There's always 2 sides to the story. If she's being vindictive, it will eventually bite her in the face.
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Posted by ( Pasco ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
two words... Jerry Springer
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Posted by ( jprestig ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:24 a.m.
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Posted by ( wassup ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
That is a hell of a way to get back at someone you claim to "love" - playing your marriage out in the media like that.
Vindictive people get theirs in the end, though.
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Posted by ( signit4bes ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is nothing. At least ELIJAH DUKES was good material.
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Posted by ( MyVoice ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:42 a.m.
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Posted by ( tballinger ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why is this any of our business? Why did she interview at all? I don't care about their divorce. No one else should either and no one should be calling anyone names. Good God people - grow up!
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Posted by ( Pasco ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Loose lips sink ships and come back to bite you... Sounds like her employer needs to look into the infoe she provided about using a work computer to write a paper. Soundslike she has too much free time at the office and that needs to be investigated.
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Posted by ( galaxyb ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Okk....and why do I care?!?!
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Posted by ( tazm531 ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Didn't some politician or police chief get in trouble recently and kicked out of office for buying a term paper while getting a degree? Why should athletes be judged any differently? Cheating is cheating. to think he was going into education! to what, judge our kids? Jocks have always seemed to have a diffent set of rules and morals.
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Posted by ( gdgenereux ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
It is sad that she has decided to bring this into the public eye on many fronts. Actually, though and ardent supporter of Ben's for Ben's sake if all the allegations are true. What is truly bothersome here is that once again an athlete goes through school, has an issue related to the school come up after he/she is out and the school and future players get punished. That could happen here, I do not know how the NCAA would look at a situation like this that a coach would not have even been likely to catch without some knowledge.
I hope for the Moffitt family they can resolve this thing, get it private again and protect the kids and their lives.
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Posted by ( PJ ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:59 a.m.
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Posted by ( MyVoice ) on January 4, 2008 at 9 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Taz, exactly what I was trying to say,thank you. Athletes should be role models for all aspects of life, not just the playing field.
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Posted by ( whobdis1 ) on January 4, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
How reliable of a source is any estranged spouse? It may or may not be true but you need a bit more imo to run a story like this. It's about as weak as the "mom says son is innocent' story.
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Posted by ( Autumn ) on January 4, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
What I don't think I have heard any one say so far is WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS! This is going to hurt them worse than it will ever hurt Shauna or Ben! This is very sad. I don't think that airing your dirty laundry in public is the best way to go about things. But remember that there are always 2 sides to the story. Like I read from another post....HE FILED FOR DIVORCE FOR A REASON!!!! I just hope that they both get the help and support they need. Good luck to both of them! And I pray for the kids because this is going to be VERY difficult!
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Posted by ( Longball ) on January 4, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ben what were you thinking? At least gut it out till your graduation, if you even graduate now. And Shauna, Im not sure, but I think you committed a crime for doing his work and I know if your sister falsely filled out his 15 hour requirement sheet. She falsely filled out a state document and she committed a crime. So dumb and dumber. Should have waited until he got drafted then drop the hammer on him. And Ben, step up and do the right thing and at least be a good dad to your kids.
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Posted by ( acuratl96 ) on January 4, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
PJ, you have something there, she should not be using company computers for personal reasons, they should fire her a--,What a nasty cut throat b--ch,she will get hers in the end.
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Posted by ( Anne33566 ) on January 4, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Her actions speak volumes about what kind of woman she is. I would bet that she threateded to do this if he left her... which is probably the reason he stayed with her as long as he did. He should have left her a long time ago and taken his kids with him. There is no doubt that if she was vindictive enough to go to the media about a personal issue that she has mental health problems. I hope the courts take into account what she has done and will award the custody of the children to the father. He obviously made a sound decision when he left her...he just didn't do it soon enough.
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Posted by ( Bullsfan07119 ) on January 4, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I don't know what's worse....this or the Britney Spears story....
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Posted by ( midnight ) on January 4, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hell hath no fury like that of a scorned woman.
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Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on January 4, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
( PJ ) Well Said! another college cheater, Hmm Peculiar, odd, out of sorts. I'm sure this was the first time that has happened! Good Luck in the Draft Ben.
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Posted by ( honda1988 ) on January 4, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
If you get a chance to see a picture of Ms. Moffitt, then you will know why he filed for divorce. Doesn't Sumter county provide dental insurance for its employees? Ms.Moffitt,may I suggest you sign up for Jenny Craig, no NFL player wants to be married to someonelarger then themselves.
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Posted by ( tedh1112 ) on January 4, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Miss Tampa:
If you do not understand the newsworthiness and the ramifications of this story, then you need to go get more education yourself.
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Posted by ( robertj1954 ) on January 4, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Nasty, vindictive, pathetic, sad... To take that approach in a divorce action.
I received help from my wife when working on papers, she did not write them, just provided well received input and editing advice. That did not make me a cheater, one thing you learn in the real world, people get ahead who understand the importance of teamwork.
She is pathetic, men take a good look at her face and name. You certainly don't want to have her in your life.
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Posted by ( PJ ) on January 4, 2008 at 10:37 a.m.
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Posted by ( Garbanzo ) on January 4, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I don't know what she is thinking. She is as big of a cheat as he is, if this is true. When you write someone else's papers for them that is called CHEATING!!
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Posted by ( g8rgrl4114 ) on January 4, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
It is unfortunate that the "dirty laundry" of the Moffitt family has to be aired in this manner. However, I think it should be known that Ben Moffitt is not the "family man" or hard working "college student" that the media portrays. The media does a great job of spinning stories, and I don't think that you readers should be so harsh to make judgements about Shauna or Ben in either direction. This will be "old news" by tomorrow morning.
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Posted by ( sayitlikeitis ) on January 4, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The only time she should have opened her mouth is for another donut.
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Posted by ( Anne33566 ) on January 4, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Shouldn't the state of Florida or at the least the principal of the school consider stripping Sheree Ellis of her teaching certificate? I believe what she did is termed fraud and could be in violation of teaching standards in the state of Florida?
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Posted by ( acuratl96 ) on January 4, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The Mom and Sister are just mad, because probably already had dollar signs in there head also.
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Posted by ( dh855 ) on January 4, 2008 at 11:31 a.m.
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Posted by ( nolimelynch ) on January 4, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
She should not bite the hand that feeds
her-----------He has moved on and she is
not invited-------you make the call!
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Posted by ( ToeCutter ) on January 4, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
She is not very smart.
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Posted by ( sayitlikeitis ) on January 4, 2008 at 11:59 a.m.
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Posted by ( JohnHMarshall ) on January 4, 2008 at noon
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Posted by ( sayitlikeitis ) on January 4, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
pardon me, it should be:
she should be prepared to have the public spit it back.
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Posted by ( langolier33611 ) on January 4, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Huh? A college athlete cheating? Unheard of, except in every college in the U.S. I hope when they do an investigation of this, if it is found to be true he should be expelled.
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Posted by ( Emac409 ) on January 4, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
By saying this now, she proves that she is more interested in doing the right thing than cheating as well and waiting for the money.
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Posted by ( pcdebb ) on January 4, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
what i find interesting is that she admitted to using her WORK COMPUTER at teh county appraiser's office, a GOVERNMENT computer no doubt, to do his work, instead of WORKING. so that means the citizens of sumter county paid her to do something other than sumter county business. i'm sure she signed something stating that GOVERMENT computer is to only be used for sumter county business. she'll be lucky if she dont get fired.
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Posted by ( greatdane813 ) on January 4, 2008 at 1:22 p.m.
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Posted by ( oneill ) on January 4, 2008 at 1:34 p.m.
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Posted by ( Hairs ) on January 4, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
1. As a very experienced divorce lawyer, I can say unequivocally that rushing to the media with your dirty laundry is probably one of the most destructive things someone can do to their kids. Most responsible parents would do everything in their power to keep their kids private matters out of the spotlight. Even small kids will be teased and questioned about their daddy being a cheater or deadbeat, whether true or not. These matters need to be dealt with in COURT, where they belong. Both sides get to present their evidence. Not one person who read this article knows any of the facts of this case and is in no position to judge anyone.
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Posted by ( REDchirp ) on January 4, 2008 at 1:58 p.m.
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Posted by ( Teena ) on January 4, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Notice she didn't get the Woman's vote or Moms vote!
You can only image what she tells the kids about dad.
She is giving her ex's divorce attorney an easy ride, she is proving alienation of affection. The Kiss of Death in custody desputes!
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Posted by ( thatguyfl82 ) on January 4, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Whether this is True or not, this will not Hurt Ben's NFL chances. Lets not forget the fact that He's one of the best Linebackers in the NFL Draft. Shauna needs to get over herself and quit using the Media as a weapon in Divorce Court, if she was smart, she'd shut her mouth, get child Support and raise her kids on his Salary. Child Support won't make a Dent in Moffitt's NFL salary especially if he's a 2nd Rounder. I see a potential Pro-Bowler in a few years so Shauna needs shut her redneck mouth.
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Posted by ( Lelie ) on January 4, 2008 at 2:26 p.m.
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Posted by ( Parker415 ) on January 4, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
He used her for 5 years to get a degree, now she can use his child support to never work again...why she had to bring this to the public eye is beyond me...those poor children...
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Posted by ( USFBull ) on January 4, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Honda 1988 said what ignorant, selfish men are thinking. He suggested that Ben left his family for greener pastures. It appears that may be the case, yet how unfortunate. He married that young lady because he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, as described in his words in a recent interview. He was hurt by the comments shared by nasty UCF fans, and said he took them personally. In fact, he had a great game that Saturday.
I personally know friends of the Moffitt's, and they all speak highly of Shauna. She is in a bad situation, and probably feeling desperate. Most women in her situation would feel the same way. Did she handle it correctly? No, I don't think so. Ben has not been considerate of his family, and as the leader of his home he needs to step up and make things right.
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Posted by ( dtmockusf ) on January 4, 2008 at 3:12 p.m.
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Posted by ( therockofages ) on January 4, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Nothing like spousal loyalty. I would divorce her so fast her head would spin.
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Posted by ( USFBulls59 ) on January 4, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Obviously the spousal disloyalty was on both parts....
Not to say she went by it quite the right way, but I believe that I do see what she was trying to do:
Stop the fact that he was still riding a huge wave now based on a lie-a wave that helped give him notoriety in the first place. I am sure her knowing and having to read about this lie that continued to use her and the children as pawns got to be enough. Very sad for all...
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Posted by ( StormVet90 ) on January 4, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I'm not sure she realizes that she just openly admitted to using government resources for personal benefit. This is a crime and she might just find herself divorced AND unemployed. And I really wish she hadn't said anything about being a Christian..just another bad example for the whole world to see.
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Posted by ( Classmate ) on January 4, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I went to high school with Shauna and Ben. Shauna has always been the type of person to do whatever she can to destroy someone. She was always one to spread rumors about people. I am sure she thinks that making these accusations about Ben will make her look like the good guy, but the truth is she is only hurting herself. She could jeopardize he chances in the NFL, which mean less child support and less money for her and the children. I doubt she will ever regret what she did and I am sure she is proud of herself. Does she realize she can get in trouble too for doing Ben's work? DUH!!!
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Posted by ( Steve ) on January 4, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
did you see that interception he returned against West Virgina? Wow
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Posted by ( iksbar ) on January 4, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This sheds some light on why our properties are appraised too high. Hence high property taxes. If the Appraiser's Office spent more time on property values and less time to complete homework maybe they would get it right.
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Posted by ( kjkelly618 ) on January 4, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
hell hath no fury..like a woman scorned!!!! watch your back Ben
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Posted by ( Soonethanlater ) on January 4, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
He's Hot!
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Posted by ( Kenneth ) on January 4, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is a bad deal all the way around. Let's let them work this out--hopefully for the best for the kids--and let's us talk basketball!
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Posted by ( berlinil ) on January 4, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Basketball?
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Posted by ( dh855 ) on January 4, 2008 at 10:56 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Just a thought for those making a big deal out of her having Ben's papers on her computer at work. I type papers at home and email them to myself at work all the time in case my computer crashes. I have also put papers on my my jump drive and put them on my computer at work. Also she may have stayed after hours or typed them during her lunch break. I am sure none of the posters on here has ever sent out or read personal emails on their office computer or check out any news or media sources online Point is we don't know all the facts. As far as property being appraised too high you may want to move to Sumter. Our rates are some of the lowest in the state. No, I don't think this should be aired out in the paper, but sometimes when a person is hurt they think with their hearts and not their heads. Also the person that said Shauna was always trying to destroy people is absolutely wrong. Both Ben and Shauna and their families are very highly thought of in our community.
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Posted by ( txnflfan ) on January 5, 2008 at 3:28 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
she sounds like a pain in the a##
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Posted by ( cavedog ) on January 5, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
She hooked up with him when he was a freshman in high school and she was a senior. She saw a meal ticket. She gets preggers and they get married the summer BEFORE he is a senior. And after two kids, she blimps out and gets a cushy county job.
Now her wallet is walking, and she drags this mess into the street. Dumb. She will never get out of the trailer park now.
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Posted by ( boodee67 ) on January 5, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
signit4bes ,what's ELIJAH DUKES doing in this? or should i ask? but too do that i would be making accusations right.you know like labelling you.the young man has moved on,this is about two people who has nothing in common with young dukes.
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Posted by ( Soonethanlater ) on January 5, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
i'd divorce her too. She sounds like a real Biyotch.
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Posted by ( hotflash ) on January 8, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Lady please, if you are so smart them get an education and make your own money!! Married couples help each other that is life and what marriage is about. How many people do you hear about who put a spouse through college...if you think for one minute that in one way or another they did not help each other you are mistaken. Get over it, he does not want you...make your own money, yoiu lived very well on his football pay. It's over now, go home to your mama or go to school and get your own job!
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Posted by ( USFParent ) on January 15, 2008 at 2:37 a.m.
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Posted by ( USFParent ) on January 15, 2008 at 2:50 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Also, please note the facts: Ben Moffit is 23 & Shauna Moffit is 26. She is 3 years older than him. Shauna gave a TV interview in which she spoke about being a water girl for the high school football team & about bringing water to then 14 year old Ben & then telling her girlfriends that he would be her husband. She made that happen when he was only 17!! Ben married her before his senior year in high school & stayed married to her throughout his college career & another pregnancy. Should Shauna Moffitt (3 years older than Ben) have been charged since Ben was underage & still in high school when she got pregnant the first time? If the media is going to publish details of a private divorce proceeding then ALL the facts & BOTH sides of the story should be published. ALL or NOTHING.
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Posted by ( USFParent ) on January 15, 2008 at 3:04 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Here is the link to You Tube video of the interview referenced in the previous post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cg29zEqJNEk
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Posted by ( kmat1 ) on January 15, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
First she calls him a liar, and says he "cheats". Then she says she still loves him and supports him. This lady is whacked out, all she wants is his money! Even if he is a bad husband or father, you are just ruining your family!
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Posted by ( USFParent ) on January 15, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
If Shauna Moffitt's allegations WERE factual, then Shauna Moffitt & her twin sister would also be guilty of cheating. Right? However, Shauna's allegations emailed to & printed by the Trib are sustantiated by NO ONE other than her twin sister & her mother. How credible are those sources, especially the sister who Shauna has also implicated a cheater? Not to mention the fact that Shauna, who works for the county government, & her sister, who works as a teacher, are both paid by taxpayers money that they allegedly wasted while doing the alleged cheating on employer time.
This is a private family matter that should be handled through the courts as Ben is doing, not through the media as Shauna has chosen to do. Ben is looking out for his children by handling this maturely & privately. What is Shauna doing?
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Posted by ( therockofages ) on January 15, 2008 at 6:04 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
If this is what the NOW liberation movement has produced, it has been a dismal failure. Congratulations. I am sure you are very proud. I would divorce her so fast her head would spin.
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Posted by ( peefunk26 ) on January 19, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
O.k O.k listen frist ben should know what to expect from a woman with HIS two kids( it's called baby mama drama). what he should have done is made it a smoothier breakup like make sure that she always wants to be your friend, like what you you had was sooo special. that way he would not have to worry about the child support that will hit him once he is in the NFL. And for all those who don't know there is no allimony because she was the bread winner remember he's a student!
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Posted by ( therockofages ) on February 27, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why are they recycling this VERY OLD news? What is the point? Do they have a point?
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Posted by ( irondawg ) on February 27, 2008 at 6:39 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
bum people shouldnt breed
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Posted by ( jamace ) on February 27, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Shauna has been hurt, this is her way of hurting back. If this makes her feel better, so be it
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Posted by ( tampachick ) on February 27, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
She should be fired from her job based on her statement.
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Posted by ( beatcowboy ) on February 27, 2008 at 9:28 p.m.
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Posted by ( jwoodard ) on February 27, 2008 at 10:23 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
DID I READ THAT CORRECTLY??????
"SHE WOULD NOT DO ANY THING THAT WOULD NOT PLEASE "CHRIST" DOES SHE SAY THIS OR DID I MISREAD>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
IF THAT IS THE CASE,,,,,,,I AM SURE
CHRIST IS BUSTING THE BUTTONS ON HIS SHIRT ABOUT NOW............HE IS SO
PROUD
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Posted by ( lolafalala ) on February 27, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I bet she has an Elmo doll that says KILL BEN! :o(
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Posted by ( outside01 ) on February 28, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
What a retarded b**ch! If she had half a brain she would just stay quiet and collect her $$ when he gets a NFL contact. Trying to ruin him is just flat out ridiculous....women.
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Posted by ( mrwright ) on February 28, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
How is this hurting the kids? I doubt the kids will want for much even after this plays out.
I do however agree SHE is as guilty as he is for her part in the CHEATING! She should be fired AND charged...
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Posted by ( lauriem ) on February 28, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I was looking to see if the story had been updated, but no... Ridiculous that those of us that read this story two months ago should have to click on the same old drivel.
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Posted by ( robertj1954 ) on February 28, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Lauriem, I agree, someone is asleep at the helm. Wake up guys... This is old and not even news.
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Posted by ( Citizen66 ) on February 28, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
"Now I ain't sayin' she's a gold-digga...."
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Posted by ( flpeep ) on February 28, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
If her allegations are true, can you blame her? I mean think about it. You're in a marriage, and hubby wants you to do all this work for him, so basically she was probably supporting him and the kids, while he was "playing football", plus doing all his school work! So now when the big payoff comes in, he dumps her! What a load of crap! Then to have him being portrayed as some hero in the media! I think any person, male or female would feel a little frustrated! To all those who said she should keep quiet to get the big alimony, that's retarded! I don't think he was planning on any big alimony for her at all! That's why he dumped her before he got his big NFL contract! Duh!
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Posted by ( bm1976 ) on February 28, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
southern_avenger said "Women are all the same, looking for cash and a free ride."
YOUR A JERK! SHE did all his college work and he leaves her & thier children right when hes about to be rewarded for it! I would have let him get an nfl career and then let him have it in court! She is a bigger person then me.
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Posted by ( drdneast ) on February 28, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
If the sisters are telling the truth, would someone please fire them. One is a teacher falsifying public records and the other is a county employee using government property for personal use and probably doing it on government time. We have enough loafers on the public teat. Both of these women have committed publicly admitted governmental fraud.
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Posted by ( clistadd ) on February 28, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
if all this happened, shame on him BUT she did his work on HER WORK computer??? and her sister falsified records??? i would think that both would be in trouble with their respective employers!
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Posted by ( Tanya_C ) on February 28, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am so sick of seeing woman get all destructive when their husband/boyfriend leaves them. Why don't you pick up your crap like a true woman and move on with your life. His lost. Man I hate drama women!
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Posted by ( ifonly ) on February 28, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I agree , this woman should be investigated for using the counties computer system for non work related stuff. Three Highlands County employees lost their jobs for doing this same type of thing a couple of weeks ago, not in the exact same context but they were using the computers for personal usage.
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Posted by ( acuratl96 ) on February 28, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why dont she just shut her pie hole, who cares, she is only hurting herself and her children, she is mad because he is headed to the NFL in April, and she will not be along for the ride, her and her family both, probably had high hopes of spending his money.
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Posted by ( FactFinder ) on February 28, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
BREAKING NEWS: Billichek from the New England Patriots has his eye on a couple of college players that are not doing well academically and has offered Shauna Moffit a one year contract with a sign on bonus, to help them. As a perk she can use the computers at the Patriot Headquarters. She has promised to let him video tape the online courses.
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Posted by ( FactFinder ) on February 28, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
BREAKING NEWS: Billichek from the New England Patriots has his eye on a couple of college players that are not doing well academically and has offered Shauna Moffitt a one year contract with a sign on bonus, to help them. As a perk she can use the computers at the Patriot Headquarters. She has promised to let him video tape the online courses.
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Posted by ( 42degrees ) on February 29, 2008 at 9 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
this is kinda ridiculous tbo.com is recycling their news stories....at least change the date and make it SEEM like a new updated story!!!
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Posted by ( MrSKS1964 ) on February 29, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think he is hot, I would love to do his papers for him..... And, I guarantee that he would never have to worry about me getting pregnant.....lolololol
Hey Ben, make the switch dish the fish!
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Posted by ( sleekchick ) on February 29, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
What makes her any better? She was the dumb one that decided to write the papers for her husband. I don't understand when she was married to him it wasn't a problem now all of a sudden it's a horrible situation...Get a life lady!!!
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Posted by ( marymcq ) on February 29, 2008 at 11:53 a.m.
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Posted by ( sensiblysane ) on February 29, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Guess what Shawna? This IS the real Ben. It always amazes me that women get used over and over again by a man. He's lazy, cheats, takes credit for other's hard work, takes credit in the press for something he is not, he's probably on steroids ala Clemmons, and you still say, "This isn't the real Ben." Which part isn't the real Ben? It's not like he was the model of a hero when he lived with you. Lousy dad, runs out on his family, let's you do his work, cheats...? Or was it just OK for him to have lousy character as long as he lived with you? You need to wake up girl. Find a man who is the hero, and it ain't gonna be Ben. This dog won't change his spots...and he is a dog masquerading as a hero.
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Posted by ( Deirdra ) on February 29, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Shauna should expose him for the fraud that he is..he's cheated his way through school (she was a part of that fraud until it no longer served her purpose)and it shouldn't be surprising that he'd cheat her out of the way of life she's grown accustomed...remember..."what goes around comes around" AND "if you'll lie, you'll cheat and if you'll cheat, you'll steal. They are BOTH getting what they deserve for not playing fairly in LIFE.
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Posted by ( sensiblysane ) on February 29, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
It bothers me that Shawna is like, "Whaaaaa, poor me, I did all that cheating with him and now he ups and leaves me...whaaaaa." Frankly, I don't have any respect now for either one of them. Shawna, you helped him cheat the school out of a degree, now he's cheating you out of forever after. Wake up. Next time, don't participate in the crime and you won't be left with a whine.
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Posted by ( jandpbell ) on February 29, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
well lets be honest here... if his own sisters say its true... what do you think?
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Posted by ( crackercommoncents ) on March 1, 2008 at 7:17 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Where is the NCAA, these are very serious charges.
USF should be responsible enough to get to the truth.
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Posted by ( midClassMale ) on March 1, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is just another example of a woman thinking with her emotions and, as a result, doing something stupid. Why she didn't simply wait until he came into some $$$ before dropping the bomb is beyond me? What a dumb-ss stupid b-tch. Typical.
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Posted by ( melizamitchell ) on March 1, 2008 at 1:22 p.m.
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Posted by ( crysntrin ) on March 1, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
did he force her to write them? why is she breaking his neck about it now? she should have never done it to begin with
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Posted by ( DreaCPA ) on March 1, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
USFParent - First, her attorney did not drop her because she lied (or at least thats not what the St Pete Times published). Second, I am sure the wife and Ben have both lied and make false accusations about each other. She says he hasn't supported their family since he left in November...Well, I hardly call $1310.00 from November to January as support for a home and 2 children. He paid 1 car payment, 1 trip to the grocery store, and gave her up to $900 dollars (per the Times). I wouldn't be so quick to say she is completely untruthful. Can you live on $655 a month with 2 kids? Doubtful...
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Posted by ( PhatAJ ) on March 1, 2008 at 10:04 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
When is the NCAA going to start looking into his "cheating"
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