On the eve of the 2007 football season, BSPN.com ran a report where “sources” revealed the FBI was investigating potential point shaving amid the University of Toledo football program. The same sources alleged that Bruce Gradkowski, who was then a backup for the Bucs, was linked to the alleged scandel.

One of the other names that has surfaced during the investigation, sources confirmed, is Bruce Gradkowski, the Rockets’ starting quarterback in the 2003-05 seasons who now is a backup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Authorities have not spoken about Gradkowski’s possible connection, but sources say investigators are examining his playing time in a number of games under scrutiny as they follow up on an allegation that Manni had offered a Toledo player $10,000 to sit out particular games.

“I don’t know what to say about that,” said Gradkowski, coming off the field after a recent Bucs’ training camp practice. A Tampa Bay public relations assistant, who had been made aware of the focus of the interview, walked beside Gradkowski and deflected follow-up questions.

This didn’t sit well with Chucky who blasted BSPN, as Deadspin.com remembers.

“I don’t watch ESPN. I don’t believe half the [expletive] people on the channel, personally – no disrespect. But if Bruce Gradkowski is throwing games in Toledo, how in the hell does he lead the NCAA in passing percentages? That is a crock. You know, these reports make me sick – really. I don’t believe [there is] any truth to it, and I’ll go to my grave believing that. I hope ESPN 3 or 4 has real sources behind this story, because it has nothing to do with the kid. He’s a great kid. He wants to be great. This is very uncharacteristic, in my opinion, of ‘professional’ journalism.”

My, how a bunch of zeros on a check can clear one’s soul, huh, Chucky?

Joe wonders if BSPN is going to hire Gradkowski to work on their research staff for Chucky now?