National Football League

Ex-NFL player's sentencing delayed; lawyers cite concussions

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:34 p.m. ET

foxsports

CLEVELAND (AP) Reggie Rucker's sentencing in a charity theft case has been delayed as the former Cleveland Browns wide receiver participates in a study of long-term symptoms of traumatic brain injuries and awaits another test in June.

His attorneys say Rucker suffered multiple concussions while playing football and that the effects of such injuries - and the upcoming test - might help explain his crimes.

The 68-year-old Rucker has pleaded guilty to stealing from two children's charities to pay his gambling debts and personal expenses. A plea agreement calls for him to serve about two years in prison.

Cleveland.com (http://bit.ly/1oYShCt ) reports federal Judge Dan Polster agreed to postpone sentencing from May 23 to July 14, despite prosecutors' objections. Polster says he wants to have as much information about Rucker as reasonably possible.