Former Sooner investigated for alleged investment scheme

Sunday, July 17th 2005, 8:58 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A former University of Oklahoma football player is being investigated by the FBI and state Securities Department for allegedly bilking former clients in an investment scheme.

Former OU and NFL tight end Adrian Cooper quit his job at Merrill Lynch in August under pressure. Now he's being sued by former clients, as well as banks and other lenders.

On Friday, the state Securities Department said it's considering barring Cooper from the industry. According to a report by the agency's enforcement director, Cooper engaged in dishonest and unethical practices.

The FBI won't discuss its probe and Cooper hasn't been charged.

Cooper's alleged victims say he kept money they gave him for stocks or real estate deals, leaving them with little or nothing. They reported losses totaling more than $500,000.

Cooper played for the Sooners from 1986 to 1990 and also played six seasons in the NFL.