Jeremy Shockey Reportedly Investigated by FBI About Drug and Gambling Ring

Former NFL tight end Jeremy Shockey is reportedly being investigated by the FBI for his possible association with a drug and gambling ring. 

According to a Sunday report by Brad Hamilton of the New York Post, three FBI agents questioned Shockey last week regarding his friendship with accused ringleader Owen Hanson.

A former tight end at USC, Hanson had his name come up in connection with a massive drug ring, with Veronica Rocha of the Los Angeles Times reporting on Jan. 28 that 22 people were charged with participating in an illegal sports gambling and international drug-smuggling ring he was allegedly operating. 

Former NFL running back Derek Loville was among the people named in that indictment. Hamilton's report noted the investigation into Hanson is "ongoing and appears to be widening."

Per Hamilton's report, Shockey entered the mix after FBI agents discovered he traveled with Hanson to Costa Rica in 2010 and that the two "flew back and forth between Miami and L.A., where Hanson lived, to hang out."

Shockey denied any awareness of Hanson's involvement in an illegal drug and gambling ring: “I thought he was in the real-estate business like me. I’m a straight businessman. I don’t hang out with drug dealers or prostitutes. I’m here with my girlfriend making out, and I get a knock on my door from these agents. I said to them, ‘Come on in. I got nothing to hide.’”

The former first-round pick told federal investigators he originally met Hanson "when [he] passed out at a pool party in Vegas—from dehydration" and that the pair would "go to the gym" and "the same parties together," per Hamilton.

Shockey added that he has "never had anything to do with drugs" and "would never do anything illegal to jeopardize what I’ve worked for.”

The 35-year-old played college football at the University of Miami and spent 10 seasons in the NFL with the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers. He has been out of the NFL since the 2011 season. 

During his playing career, Shockey was named to four Pro Bowls and won two Super Bowls. He was also part of Miami's 2001 national championship team and was named an Associated Press first-team All-American that season.