Football Daily

Our series on where true crime has unfortunately met the game of football. We take a look at these tragic circumstances and share some of the history behind it.

From stars of the game murdered to their family and friends being cold-blooded killers. Take a journey with us through the facts from newspapers of the era in our compelling series.

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A shocking football news bulletin filled the airways in 2000 when recently acquired Indianapolis Colts Running Back Fred Lane was found dead in a pool of blood at his home. What happened? Who did it? Here is the story of Fred that came from the newspapers.

Fred Lane Sr. was a gridiron star at Natchez High School in Franklin, Tennessee. Fred Sr. passed down some of his remarkable football ability and knowledge to his son Fred Jr., who became a rare talent at the same school, now renamed Franklin High. Lane Jr possessed uncommon speed and agility for such a young player. At Franklin High, Jr. amassed over 1,000 yards his senior season, averaging 7.5 yards per carry. His impact was so impressive that the school retired his number 28 jersey in honor of his athletic brilliance.

This skill set was not unnoticed by college recruiters at the oddly enough but appropriately named Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. The institution is a private, historically black college associated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. The school was established in 1878 to provide education for newly freed enslaved and named for one of its co-founders, Methodist Bishop Isaac Lane. Besides Fred, former NFL player Jacoby Jones played football for the Lane College Dragons.

Fred rushed for 3612 yards in his career at the school. He set multiple school rushing records, including running for 305 yards versus Miles College in a 1995 game. The athlete's success peaked in his junior year when Fred was placed on the Harlon Hill Trophy watchlist as one of DII's top players. In the same year, Lane was named to the Heritage Radio HBCU All-American team and several other media services' All-American teams. Fred Lane Jr's #6 jersey was also retired by Lane College.

Lane was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Panthers before the 1997 NFL season. The Panthers brass recognized the untapped talent of the youngster and wanted to explore its effectiveness in the NFL. Fred had a very interestingly successful debut as, during his rookie season, Lane set several franchise records.

After three years with the Panthers, Lane was traded to the Indianapolis Colts on April 21, 2000. For the Panthers, he had accumulated 2,001 rushing yards (the most in franchise history) and 13 touchdowns.

Unfortunately, Fred would never play a meaningful down for the Colts. On July 6, 2000, the promising life of the 24-year-old Fred Lane Jr was cut short in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

Upon returning home from out of town, Lane went to his front door, placed the keys to the home, and unlocked it. When he opened the door, he faced one of the most frightful sites imaginable—the business end of a shotgun with a willing shooter poised with a finger on the trigger. Mecklenburg County Assistant District Attorney Marcia Goodenow described the scene as one where the athlete had no time to react.

The sound of the gun rang through the formerly quiet neighborhood. The discharge of the weapon found its mark in Lane's chest from a reported 5-8 feet away. Fred survived this initial mele. Wounded, he scrambled for an escape, crawling through his blood on the front stoop of his home. Seconds later, his life ended with a second deadly blast to the head from the same firearm and shooter.

The assailant was his wife, Deidra Lane. A $5 million insurance policy drove her motive. The couple's financial advisor had recently joked in inferior taste that it would be a good windfall for the financially cash-strapped couple. Fred, who had recently been paid almost $600,000 for playing for the Carolina Panthers in 1999, was said to be "cash poor" along with his wis spouse. That same Financial advisor, Rodney Harris, sold the couple the mutual aiding policy that in the event of either of their deaths, the other could enjoy a good lifestyle. Lane was said to be a typical immature early twenty-something who had been previously charged with drug possession. According to surviving family members, Fred was putting that former lifestyle of partying and ill spending behind him, possibly some indication of seeking financial advice from a professional.

Harris testified later in court that in June, just a few weeks before the murder, Deidra asked the insurance provider if she would be paid as a result of Fred dying in a drunk driving accident. Harris responded by saying, "Yes," but he also told the star player's spouse, "If you kill Fred, it will not pay you."

The murder trial of Deidra was in November of 2003, and testimonies from witnesses on both sides portrayed both parties as aggressors in an abusive relationship. NFL wide receiver Mushin Muhammed testified for the prosecution, stating that he had witnessed deep scratches on his former Panthers teammate done by Deidra's hand. The Lanes recently greeted the arrival of a baby girl just weeks before the shooting. Fred's family claimed that when Fred held his newborn daughter a week before his death, he said the baby didn't look like him. The couple was reported estranged, possibly over the alleged abuse and suspected infidelity. Fred was even said to be in the process of filing for divorce and executing the cut-off of financial ties with Deidra. Fred was returning home to gather and sell a motorcycle, not reconciling with his wife per the deceased's family.

In retort, Deidra's mother claimed that Deidra's face was swollen from an alleged beating, but these were not mentioned by police reports or documented by photos publicly. Mrs. Lane stayed at the scene to give the cops a full report of the incident and was even the one to call 911.

The trial ended with the guilty conviction of Deidra Lane, after he pleaded to Voluntary Manslaughter, as she was to serve the complete sentence of eight years of incarceration, minus time previously served.

In this episode of our series on high crimes associated with the gridiron, we're diving into a story that's both heartbreaking and inspiring—a tale that kept the Miami Hurricanes community on the edge of their seats for nearly fifteen years. This isn't just about football stats; it's a story of resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of justice. Join us as we unravel the pages of the Bryan Sidney Pata story—a journey beyond the field.

Born on August 12, 1984, Bryan Pata was more than just a rising football star—he personified perseverance and hard work. His passion for the game was evident as a child, and by the time he graduated from high school, he was well-known as a formidable opponent. But Bryan was more than tackles and scores; he was a complex person with a passionate interest in the outside world.

Pata's gridiron journey through high school football started in North Miami and lasted three years before culminating in a standout season at Miami Central. His exceptional talent wasn't just noticed; it was celebrated. Super Prep Magazine named him to their All-America team and ranked him among the nation's elite defensive linemen at number 26.

When Bryan was a college student at the University of Miami, he skillfully combined his love of football with his academic interest. He was studying the complexities of crime and justice off the field, not just chasing tackles while majoring in criminology.

The Miami Hurricanes' towering defensive lineman was a force of nature. From 2003 to 2006, he carved his name into the heart of "The U" with relentless power and infectious exuberance. His 6'4", 280-pound frame housed a warrior's spirit, racking up 23 starts and terrorizing opposing quarterbacks.

Pata's journey wasn't just about sacks and tackles. He embodied the immigrant dream, a first-generation American whose parents arrived from Haiti. This young man found strength, purpose, and common ground with his peers on the gridiron. His story resonated with Miami's diverse community, symbolizing triumph over adversity. Pata's infectious energy and leadership made him a beacon for his teammates on the field, his booming laugh echoing through the locker room.

Bryan's story came to symbolize the notion that absolute brilliance exists outside the confines of a sports field. It's about seizing every chance for development and leaving a lasting impression outside the game.

But tragedy unfolded on November 7, 2006, marking an irreversible turning point in Bryan's promising life. After a routine football practice, Bryan returned to his apartment in Kendall, Florida, just like any other evening. However, as he approached his residence's familiar surroundings, the night's tranquility was shattered soon after he stepped out of his car.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Bryan was found fatally shot in the head in the parking lot of the Miami apartment complex. The once serene community, now forever marked by the echoes of that tragic night, became a backdrop to an event that left the surviving tenants in disbelief.

The news of Bryan Pata's untimely death sent ripples of sorrow not only through the Miami Hurricanes community but throughout the city. The Miami-Dade police swiftly labeled it a homicide. As the years passed, the mystery became a haunting specter, casting shadows over the memories of a young man taken too soon. The community, united in grief, clung to hope for resolution.

Recently, on August 19, 2021, a significant breakthrough occurred. A suspect was charged with what reports described as some tips from citizens, cell phone records, and an eyewitness account. Former teammate Rashaun Jones, now 35, was arrested in Ocala, Florida, and charged with the cold-case murder that had haunted the community for fifteen years. Recent revelations unveiled a complex backstory, suggesting tensions between Bryan and Jones. Allegedly, Pata had previously beaten Jones during a physical altercation, and there were claims that Jones had threatened Pata before the tragic incident, adding a layer of complexity to their relationship.

About two months before the homicide, prosecutors claimed, "Pata had told his brother Edwin that Jones had allegedly threatened to shoot him in the head." The defensive lineman's brother pleaded with him to report the incident, but Pata refused, and he was later found dead of a gunshot wound.

The legal procedure proceeded in the following months, looking into the specifics of that fateful night. At the time of the shooting, Jones told investigators he had never left his home that day. However, the district attorney claimed that cell phone records and an eyewitness allegedly placed him near the scene of the crime.

Friends, relatives, and the Miami Hurricanes community were watching intently, hoping this would finally solve years' worth of unanswered questions.

Law experts offered their perspectives, and there was cautious optimism in the community. Everyone acknowledged that the impact of Bryan Pata's loss had left a lasting mark on them, regardless of the outcome of the continuing legal process.

And last, the verdict—a significant moment. The courtroom, which had previously stood for uncertainty, was now the resolution location. The verdict's pronouncement represented more than a legal finality for individuals struggling with uncertainty for a long time.

A community living under a cloud of uncertainty for over a decade was relieved when the legal process ended. Closure began with the arrest and the trial that followed, providing some measure of resolve.

Memorial services and assemblies evolved into marks of endurance. After closure, the community was allowed to move forward with a revitalized sense of cohesion and a common goal. The community paid tribute to Bryan's legacy through memorial services and dialogues.

OUTRO
As we conclude this poignant journey through the life and legacy of Bryan Sidney Pata, we find solace in the collective strength of a community that endured years of uncertainty. While not erasing the pain, the arrest and legal proceedings provided a step toward closure for those touched by Bryan's story.

Please leave your opinions in the comments at pigskindispatch@gmail.com if you thought this journey was insightful. Your thoughts and anecdotes add to Bryan's memory's colorful tapestry. To ensure that you don't miss a thing as we continue to explore more stories together, please hit the like button, subscribe, and ring the notification bell if you haven't already.