The Cameron Collegian - September 26th, 2022

The Write to Read

Cameron’s book banning expo

“I wanted to ask students to sort of develop an opinion about why reading matters, why books matter,” Schneider said. “I wanted to really let them have a chance to, you know, choose their own path. It’s just something that I think a lot of students need to know more about.”

Schneider said that she has read and enjoyed many books on the banned books list.

“One of the ones that’s like top on this list very frequently is Toni Morrison’s ‘Beloved,’” she said, “which I think is an amazing book. I read it in high school. I was like blown away by the power of writing and the power of how you can construct a novel to make people have strong feelings.”

Some of the books that are on ALA’s 100 most banned books include “Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, “Bad Kitty” (series) by Nick Bruel, “1984” by George Orwell, “Captain Underpants” (series) by Dav Pilkey, “Goosebumps” (series) by R.L. Stine, and “Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank.

Sophomore English-Art major Marty Hoyte said she wanted to create something that offered new perspectives on the world and allowed her to convey how she feels about book banning.

“It’s not a good idea to ban any sort of source of information,” Hoyte said. “Whether it’s good or bad.”

Freshman English Baryn Wallis said he thought the expo event was cool.

“I’ve never done anything like this before,” Wallis said. “It’s cool to put my thoughts on the white of the poster and draw it out rather than write it.”

Wallis also said that book banning is not beneficial in the long run.

“If anything, banning books only brings more attention to them,” Wallis said.

Junior Foreign Language major Torie OrtizJones gave a speech at the books banning week expo, and featured a poster she helped create.

“I think it was great,” Ortiz-Jones said. “Dr. Schneider, this is the first time she’s ever put this on, and I think that she needs to do it again.”

Junior English major Nicholas Spurlin said he created a Minecraft machinima for this event and that he felt confident in his project. He said that the project made him think about the implications of book banning.

“Should you really ban a book because of its subject matter,” Spurlin asked. “How do you apply validity to that?”

At 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 21, Assistant Professor and Director of Composition Carie Schneider hosted a banned book expo in Nance Boyer room 2005.

The event featured students in Cameron’s Introduction to Literary Studies class who created different works of art to express their feelings about book banning. Students crafted posters, videos and art to convey how they felt about book banning.

Schneider said she wanted to have this event in honor of the American Library Association’s (ALA) banned book week.

“The American library association has been holding banned books week for 40 years,” Schneider said.

“They keep track of books that have been challenged or banned or attempted to be removed or actually removed from libraries and classrooms across the country.”

Schneider said it was important for her students to form their own opinions about book banning.

For the full ALA 100 most banned and challenged book list, go to the website at https://www.ala. org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/ decade2019.

For more information about future events that the English, Communication, and Foreign Language department is holding, contact the department chair, Dr. Von Underwood, at vonu@cameron.edu.

Susan Hill’s retirement

Stage before beauty: Alias Grace

Singing down the House

A chapter on book banning: Freshman English major Baryn Wallis showed off his contribution to Cameron’s Book Banning Week Expo, which he made as a part of his Introduction to Literary studies class.

Brittney Payette Managing Editor

Photos by Brittney Payette

Once an Aggie, always an Aggie Goodbye Susan Hill

Tiffany Estes Copy Editor

At 3:15 pm on Sept. 8 in the Charles S. Graybill, M.D. courtyard, members of the Cameron community held a bench dedication ceremony to commemorate Susan Hill for her time served at Cameron University. Hill served as Administrative Assistant I, and is retiring after 37 years. Her last day of service was on Sept. 9.

Hill’s career with Cameron University began on Jan. 7, 1985.

Hill said that Cameron has evolved a lot since she first began her career with the university in 1985.

“It has certainly gotten better.” Hill said. “The university has improved in areas of being a student centered environment and become more exciting. The university has always strived to meet the students’ needs as well as the need of the phenomenal staff.”

Since August 1987, Hill’s office has been located in Nance-Boyer Hall, room 2014, where she completed her career for the department.

Hill served as the “director of first impressions” for the main office. She greeted and screened visitors and phone calls, relayed messages and took necessary action with any issue that surfaced in Nance-Boyer.

Some of Hill’s duties have included creating purchase orders, maintaining inventory of department supplies, keeping up with keys, making sure that classrooms are satisfactory, and keeping everything “aesthetically pleasing” for both students and staff. She has updated contracts for vendors, designed fliers and advertisements for visiting writers and other professionals.

Hill is quite computer savvy as well. She described herself as a “computer geek.” When Cameron would receive new technology, she would take time to learn any new software so that she could aid the particular program or faculty with how to operate the software, as necessary.

Hill said that she has always tried to help both students and staff with any needs that may arise, including technical needs.

She said she has always made herself available to help both students and faculty with anything from minor technical issues to a master’s thesis.

She began working with student media in 1987 and described her experience as part of her heart. Hill said her previous background working with newspaper, yearbook, advertising and publication was helpful, allowed her to make valuable contributions to both the student media staff and the Collegian publication.

Hill described how she has witnessed

evolution of technology within the university and how she was able to contribute to this growth.

“The equipment for student media was state-of-the art for that time,” Hill said. “I would make sure computers and other equipment was up and running for staff and handled other needs that may have risen to maintain student media, staff, and student body.”

She said that she hopes the legacy of her time at Cameron will continue with the work of the faculty.

“I hope they will always strive to do what it takes to help keep the dreams of their students alive,” Hill said.

Hill said that her roots run deep at Cameron.

“My dad graduated from Cameron University in 1950, after completing his service with the Navy,” Hill said. At that time, Cameron was a two-year university. Being here has made a lasting impact on my family. Coming to Cameron was the best move I have ever made.”

Hill describes herself as the person behind the scenes helping to pull things together.

“I am a person who likes to fly below the radar,” Hill said. “If everything comes off without a hitch that is where my heart is.”

Hill said that she had the best group of faculty to work with across Cameron’s campus.

“When the departments of English and Foreign Language first merged, I did my best to get to know the staff,” Hill said. “I let them know that no question was too big or small and that I was always here to help.”

Hill said she had many fond memories from working at Cameron.

“The atmosphere on this floor, the people I work with, there are so many wonderful memories with these department chairs and administration,” Hill said.

“There has always been such great support within these offices. Many relationships formed here are priceless.

Rather than just

one memory, it is more of a collection of memories.”

Hill said she was greatful to have been able to work with various department chairs such as, Dr. Stanley, Dr. Kingsley, Dr. Hodgson, Dr. Keller and Dr. Underwood, to name a few.

She recalled how she witnessed Professors Bublitz, Chaffins and Dr. Keller all doing their undergraduate work at Cameron.

“They all went on to do their graduate studies elsewhere, and later returned to work with students at Cameron,” Hill said. “Seeing and partaking in the success of those I now work with makes me proud because I got to see that and be a part of it.”

Hill said that many of the university’s former students have reached out to her to update her on how they are doing now.

“I have had the pleasure of seeing growth in students who have crossed my path during my time here,” Hill said. “It makes me proud to have worked with students who have had to overcome obstacles due to hardships such as homelessness and poverty, and I did my best to try to point them in the right direction.”

Associate Professor and Student Media Adviser David Bublitz said that Hill was like a “second mom” to him.

Professor and Director of Educator Preparation Dr. Christopher Keller echoed much of this sentiment shared by Bublitz from his experiences getting to know Hill as an undergraduate student at Cameron in the late nineties.

“I had an old Toyota Corolla. I remember digging for change to buy

Keller said. “As a reporter, they paid us fifty bucks a month to write for the Cameron Collegian. I wrote a humor column and became friends with Susan during that time. I was joking about how what I wanted was 97 cents and I needed three more pennies to be able to get something to eat at McDonalds. Susan said ‘I’ve got food and stuff in the fridge. You can help yourself to anything I have here,’ It was front that point forward, if I was hungry, Susan fed me,” Keller said.

Hill “fed” the student body both figuratively and literally for over three decades.

“She took care of us at the Collegian,” Keller said. “She took great pains to make sure that our scholarships were processed. She was a financial manager for the Collegian and she took care of everything that we did.”

Keller reflected on how he maintained a friendship with Hill as he left Cameron University to pursue graduate studies.

“I was 24 years old and had been accepted to graduate school,” Keller said. “Susan was the administrative assistant still. She still fed me. She still took care of me. From the moment I was a student, then a young college professor, then I changed departments and was in a completely different area, but I would stop in and see Susan once a week.”

Hill expressed a desire to travel more during her retirement because she wants to go to all 50 states

“I have 14 more to go,” Hill said. “There are many things I want to get done such as, working on my home with repairs. I would like to spend some more time with my grandkid in Texas and visit family who live in other parts of the country.”

According to Dr. Keller, Hill may be retired, but she still is active with the university.

“She was and is very much a professional,” Keller said. “She mothers students and takes care of them. Up until the day she retired she took care of the Collegian budget, the advertising account, she always takes care of student workers for us.”

Dr. Keller left these parting words about Hill and her legacy at Cameron University.

“Her DNA is inextricably tied to the DNA of our campus media and to the people of our communication and especially English and Foreign Language Department. That is her passion,” Keller said. “She has been a mother figure, a strong powerful, independent and wonderful woman who took great care of people. She has been retired for two weeks, and I talked to her today. She has sent me spreadsheets that she is working on at home right now taking care of a grant for the university.”

CU Opportunity Fair

LaShea DeSelle Staff Writer

From 2-4 p.m. on Sept. 13 in the McCasland Ballroom of the McMahon Centennial Complex, the office of Cameron Student Development hosted the CU Opportunity Fair.

The CU opportunity fair is an annual meet and greet with an opportunity for attendees to interview with local companies who are seeking quality applicants to fill parttime, full-time, volunteer positions and internships.

Allied health, psychology, and biological studies majors would greatly benefit from working with organizations like Trinity Autism & Behavior Services (TABS) who provide programs for the community.

Program manager and Psychology graduate Monique S. spoke about behavioral training available to interested applicants.

“Anyone with a HS diploma can apply, we offer behavioral training that instills transferrable skills,” she said.

Other non-profit organizations on site were the Lawton Family YMCA and Marie Detty Youth and Family Services, which offer volunteer and mentor positions to students who have an interest in early child development or education.

Army ROTC spoke with concurrent students who take an interest in military studies. Upon graduation students will earn a diploma as well as commission as second lieutenant in the Army, Army Reserve or Army

National Guard.

Concurrent students who meet certain criteria may qualify for merit-based up to full tuition scholarships which covered the cost of tuition fees, book allowance and offers a stipend of up to $5,000 a year.

For those who want to learn more about the requirements and access the application, go to goarmy. com/rotc.

Education Management and Staffing Solutions (ESS) directly staffs K-12 education districts, students with a certification in areas such as counseling, speech language pathologists, nurses and elementary & secondary substitute teachers are offered full-time and part-time positions.

Lawton Public Schools (LPS) offers immediate opportunities like ESS by directly staffing school districts K-12.

Bus Driver and Recruiter for LPS Transportation Department Mark Erricson attended the opportunity fair and was eager to train individuals looking to further their career in sports education. Erricson has worked for LPS for over 20 years. Once training is completed at the training center or virtually, work schedules vary depending on the 140 routes which transport over 14,000 youth daily.

Lawton Public Schools full-time positions are paid over a 12-month period according to the number of contract days. Applicants are given vacation leave, retirement, and annuities.

Although, benefits are given to all certified, support and part-time positions and include district health

insurance, sick leave, personal and emergency leave.

Non-certified professions such as maintenance, security and non-structured classroom are also available for hire through LPS by contacting Mark Erricson through email: marck.erricson@lawtonps.org or by going only to www.LAWTONPS.ORG.

Journalism and media production majors were introduced to news stations KTUL based in Tulsa, Oklahoma and KSWO-TV a local television station to Lawton, Oklahoma.

Both new stations offer a surplus of full-time, parttime, and internship positions, they also provide training and field work as mentors, journalists and producers.

Business office coordinator for KSWO-TV Nancy Fitzpatrick gave insight about what KSWO looks for in a successful candidate with regard to training and internships.

“The goal is to bring them in and train and see if they’re really interested,” Fitzpatrick said.

KSWO is partnered with ABC but works with other stations as well, such as Telemundo. Paid internships are provided by KSWO at $18.00 an hour, and are considered part-time, working no more than 30 hours during the spring, summer or fall semesters.

Fitzpatrick said that the intention of KSWO-TV is to invest in journalism major students.

“The priority is to keep them growing or catapult them into a bigger market,” FitzPatrick said.

For more information, contact FitzPatrick by email: Nancy.FitxPatrick@kswo.com. To learn more about opportunities pertaining to KSWO visit www.kswo.com.

Photo by Larry Cowan

The world mourns

Queen Elizabeth’s II’s passing

Kemar Noel Staff Writer

On Sept. 8, Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully. Queen Elizabeth was the queen of the United Kingdom and other commonwealth realms from 1952 when she was anointed with the title of the queen up until her passing.

Queen Elizabeth was the longest monarch to rule in British history with a record of seventy years. On the same day she passed, her eldest son Prince Charles III became king.

After a week of mourning, relatives laid Queen Elizabeth to rest on Monday after tens of millions of people from the UK bid their final goodbyes.

“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service,” she announced on a radio address broadcast on her 21st birthday and she kept that promise.

Queen Elizabeth did many things to aid in diplomacy, especially during her youth, and she continued helping her country up until her passing this year.

She served as a mechanic during World War II as a teenager and saved her rations for her future wedding.

Throughout the years she made many diplomatic visits to such places as Germany and China to show improved relations between the countries.

Elizabeth guided a commonwealth during her rule over the nation’s remaining under British monarchy. The queen has partaken in charity work for more than six hundred charities and at least 2 billion dollars was raised because of her.

Even though she was never supposed to be queen, a series of unfortunate events landed her in the position she was in.

She was loved by her country and performed a televised Christmas address every year.

Tribune News Service

Oklahoma HB1775

Restricting Critical Race Theory

Tereasa Neeley Voices Editor

House Bill 1775 has definitely turned some heads after Governor Kevin Stitt signed a bill into law restricting Oklahoma school teachers from teaching critical race theory.

HB1775 authors and supporters offered no credible evidence to support why this law would be necessary for Oklahoma schools of any type.

Many educators feel strongly for or against this bill especially because of the censorship implications it brings forth. Oklahoma is no stranger to censorship practices such as banning books in schools.

At a news conference on May 7, 2021, Governor Stitt said “This law is to teach kids about history without labeling a young child as an oppressor. Or he or she feels guilty or

ashamed based on their race or sex.”

Christopher Lehman is an Edmond native, Oklahoma State University graduate, and professor of ethnic studies at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.

He argues that critical race theory does not divide students or talk about one race being superior to the other. Instead, it sheds light on racial discrimination.

The Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission argued that critical race theory does not teach students that the difference in their skin color is better than the other.

They are also disappointed that Governor Stitt chose to support HB1775. This bill opposes the work of the 1971 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission.

President Joseph Harroz Jr., University of

Oklahoma is concerned with the fact that the new law prohibits higher education institutions from requiring students to have mandatory gender or sexual diversity training or counseling.

“OU employees, including student employees, are still

it is important to continue to learn from our past to build an enlightened and resilient future.

“We stand firmly by our vision for equity board policy and remain committed to creating, building, and sustaining an environment that embraces racial,

Although some educators are opposed to HB1775, they are now going to have to abide by the new law. Some teachers fear they no longer have support; they want to be respected as professionals and not have to fear they are going to be reported if they offend anyone.

Tulsa public schools have been downgraded after a teacher found that their training which was to fulfill an accreditation requirement was offensive.

Mustang self-reported a violation of HB 1775 and was given the same punishment as Tulsa Public Schools.

will not cost their school their accreditation. Simply feeling uncomfortable does not violate HB1775.

Some teachers are overcompensating while trying not to offend anyone. They feel it is hard to follow rules when they do not know what the rules are, causing teachers to second-guess themselves.

Because HB1775 is not clear, educators ask that legislation write clear instructions so that everyone knows what the law is, including the enforcement agencies.

required to complete the training, along with other necessary and essential employee training, such as sexual harassment and workplace safety,” Harroz said.

Dr. Sean McDaniel, Oklahoma City Public School Superintendent is for HB1775. He believes

ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity and that provides equitable access to a higher standard of educational success for all students with the intention of closing achievement gaps.” OKCPS strongly agrees with House Bill 1775.

The Tulsa Race Massacre group wants Stitt to veto the bill because of its possible implications on how the historical massacre is taught in Oklahoman schools.

Teachers want to know what they teach children

“HB1775 was designed to codify the concept of Martin Luther King. He spoke of a day when people in America would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,” Stitt said.

“HB1775 codifies that concept that so many of us believe in our hearts including me.”

Letters Policy

The

The

The

personal

Our Views

the

the

not necessarily

the state

Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.

world leaders attended the funeral including United

“We stand firmly by our vision for equity board policy...”

—Sean McDaniel OKC Public School Superintendent

CU THEATR E BEGINS FIRST

The Cameron University Department of Music, Art and Theatre Arts presents “Alias Grace” 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 29, 30 and Oct. 1; at the University Theater.

The play will be presented at 2 p.m. on Oct. 2.

Tickets are $13 for adults, and for senior citizens, military, Cameron University staff / faculty, and nonCameron students, tickets are $10.

Cameron students will receive one free admission with thier CU I.D. card.

Tickets can be reserved by calling the box office at 580-581-2346.

Backstreet Boys

ARE IN EVERY(BODY)’S ‘DNA’

Lindsey Edwards Staff Writer

At 9 p.m. on Sept. 14, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, there was a Backstreet Boys Concert.

After two years of trying to bring their brand new and top hits to their adoring fans, Backstreet Boys have brought their “DNA” North American Tour to an end in the best city possible, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Kalen Haynes, a graduate student from Cameron got to enjoy his first Backstreet Boys concert.

“I’m a new fan,” Haynes said, “I knew their biggest songs. So

I knew ‘I Want It That Way. I’m pretty much a brand-new fan.”

After going to the concert and seeing what kind of performance they put on, Haynes has become a bigger fan.

“I really enjoyed their music,” Haynes said, “I think it was a good experience.”

Haynes said that when it came to other first concert goers, he had some advice.

“Listen to their new album,” Haynes said, “Listen to their old album and see what you like more.’

For more information about the Backstreet boys, visit their website at backstreetboys.com.

Photos

Photo by Lindsey Edwards

Cameron PAC Presents:

Sing through the Decades!

Courtney McEunn Student Life Editor

From 6-8 p.m., Sept. 14, the Cameron University Programming Activities Council (PAC) hosted a themed karaoke night called Singing through the Decades in the McCasland Ballroom in the MCC. The event was open for all students.

Event attendees sang and interacted with each other while listening to all types of music ranging from “Rockstar” by Nickelback to “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire.

Because the theme for the night was “singing through the decades,” PAC invited all the students who attended to dress up in an outfit that reflected their favorite decade.

PAC also hosted a costume contest and gave out prizes to the first, second and third place winners.

Jadance Black, a junior and copresident of PAC, helped organize and plan out the event.

She said their karaoke night was a success the year before, so they wanted to try and make the event even better.

“We did a karaoke night last year,” Black said. “It turned out pretty well

Black worked hard throughout the night encouraging students to sing karaoke and get involved with the event. She passed around a sign-up sheet for karaoke and tried to get everyone to participate.

“I just really enjoy everyone that gets up there,” Black said. “At first, they don’t want to go but then I’m like ‘I’ll go up there and sing with you’ and they’ll come right up.”

There were some blow up instrument props set aside next to the stage for students to grab and use while singing. By the end of the event, the students

Smith said she was very glad to see the event was successful.

She loved seeing everyone participating and having a good time with each other.

“My favorite part was that everyone could get up on stage without judgment,” Smith said.

“That’s something I really love to see, especially in young people. I feel like there’s a stigma that a lot of young people are very judgmental but tonight that wasn’t the case, so that made me really happy.”

PAC continues to encourage students to come to their events and get more involved on campus. Their next event, Keep

Calm and Bead On, will be at 6 p.m., Sept. 27, in the McCasland Ballroom, where students can meet each other and make beaded bracelets.

For more information about PAC events, contact the office of campus life at (580) 581-2217.

Banned Books & S’mores

Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society

Courtney McEunn Student Life Editor

At 7 p.m., on Sept. 22 at in the Bentley Garden’s Gazebo, the Sigma Tau Delta members hosted their Banned Books and S’mores event. Sigma Tau Delta is an International English Honor Society that has over nine hundred chapters located all around the United States.

At this event, members of the Cameron University chapter of Sigma Tau Delta gave out s’more kits and water bottles, while inviting students to come learn about this year’s banned books. There were posters hanging up around the gazebo encouraging students to ask questions

and become more educated on the topic.

Sigma Tau Delta hosted the Banned Books and S’mores night to mark this year’s Banned Books Week. After launching in 1982, Banned Books Week brings book enthusiasts together each year to raise awareness for the censorship of books in public schools and libraries.

Makenna Hill, a junior and English education major, is the Vice President of the CU chapter of Sigma Tau Delta. Hill and other members of the honor society were on-site to answer questions and talk to students about the importance of understanding banned books.

“Books are typically banned out of context,” Hill said.

“Parents typically

report books to the school board, and they don’t really know what’s going on in the full context of the book. They are usually discussing hard, social issues that are worth bringing up and talking about, but people just want to push them down and not bring any awareness to them.”

The theme for the 2022 Banned Books Week is

“Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us.”

The goal for this annual celebration is to promote the freedom to read books and to end the censorship on books that discuss hard and difficult topics.

For more information about Sigma Tau Delta or if you are interested in joining, contact Dr. William Carney at wcarney@cameron.edu.

Photos by Courtney McEunn

Sing your heart out! Mikel Weatherspoon and Marquise Haliburton sing their favoirte songs up on stage.

Dress to impress: Jadance Black and Caryn Stringham dress up in outfits that reflect their favorite decade.

Get up and dance: Benetria Cunningham and Katie Smith perform the song “Summer Nights” by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.

Don’t

Makenna Hill answers student’s questions about banned books and explains why

is important to bring awareness to them.

Photos by Courtney McEunn

Aggie Athlete Q&A: with Baptiste Mercier of the tennis team

Who is Mercier?

Baptiste Mercier is a Senior on the tennis team hailing from Nimes, France. Mercier is studying business adminastration with a concentration in management. Mercier originally attended a JUCO school in Georgia before transfering to Cameron.

How exactly did you end up here at Cameron?

“When it was time for me to transfer from my old school, I decided to post a message on a Facebook group with a bunch of recruiters, and the old assistant coach here sent me an offer, and it was the best one for me.”

When did you start playing tennis and what has kept you in it for so long?

“I was three years old when I started playing with my dad, and at the time, I didn’t really care about playing tennis, I was more interested in competing with my dad. I like the competitive aspect and the fact that it is an individual sport and you control more things for yourself without worrying others”

How has your relationship with your father shaped you?

“If it wasn’t for my dad, I would not have started tennis. I had a good relationship with him, and he was always pushing me to be competitive. Even now, with me so far away, we still have a very good relationship; he still calls me after every match.”

Has it been difficult for you being so far from your family?

“It’s been really tough, but fortunately, I have met some good people that have helped me with this journey. When it gets tough it’s nice having people who are there for you.”

What are some things you expect of yourself in your senior year?

“It’s a good emotional release; whenever I get on the court, nothing else seems to matter but playing, and hitting the ball as hard as you can feels really good as a kind of stress relief.”

How a New Jersey man scammed a former Patriots player for his Super Bowl ring

Jonah Valdez Tribune News Service

Scott Spina Jr. and his girlfriend boarded their flight home to New Jersey from Georgia with some valuable luggage: a championship ring from Super Bowl LI.

The ring, made of white gold molded into the shape of a football and emblazoned with 283 diamonds, was engraved with the words “GREATEST COMEBACK EVER,” a nod to the New England Patriots’ historic 25-point comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

Spina had just written a check to a former Patriots player for the ring in September 2017. In all, the deal would be worth $32,000, but it was money Spina knew he didn’t have.

After federal investigators uncovered the scheme, Spina pleaded guilty in February to one count of mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. On Monday, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter sentenced Spina, 25, to three years in prison and ordered him to pay $63,000 in restitution to the former Patriots player.

The former player, identified in court records only as “T.J.,” was struggling with his professional football career when he sold the ring to Spina.

Drafted out of Florida State University in 2015, the offensive lineman was sidelined by a knee injury and did not play a single snap in his second season, watching as the Patriots went on to win the Super Bowl in 2017. He was released from the team that April.

Without an NFL contract, T.J. was traveling back and forth between his home in Jesup, Ga., and Boston, court documents said. He had tried to sell the Super Bowl ring to a pawn shop in Jesup but was turned down.

Then, in late September 2017, Spina sent T.J. a message on Instagram about the ring, saying he was close friends with rapper Fat Joe and sold sneakers to celebrities.

The next day, Spina flew to Georgia and met T.J. outside a gas station in Jesup. Spina wrote the bad

check, and T.J. handed over his Super Bowl ring, still inside its black box, along with rings from his college football years.

Spina took not only T.J.’s ring but also his identity. As part of the deal, prosecutors wrote in a plea agreement, he obtained the player’s login credentials for the ring manufacturer and went on to buy three more Super Bowl rings, posing as the former Patriot.

“This is ‘T.J.’ — I’m gonna place a couple of ring orders today,” he said over the phone with the ring manufacturing company. “I want to get, uh, a quarterback a present for his baby.”

“What’s the, the um, quarterback last name that you’re looking to order it for?” the company employee said.

“Brady,” Spina said, spelling it out to confirm, “B-R-A-D-Y.”

Spina then made a deal with a wellknown collector of championship rings in Orange County, sending photos of the three rings and claiming they were ordered by T.J. as gifts for Brady’s nephews.

The Orange County man agreed to pay $81,000 for the three rings and wired $6,500 to Spina as a deposit with the title, “Tom Brady Family 2016 New England Patriots Super Bowl Rings!”

But the collector did some research and found out Brady didn’t have any nephews. In November 2017, he asked Spina to cancel the deal.

That same day,

Spina, still determined to sell the rings, turned to an auction house, where he sold the three rings for $100,000, claiming that Brady had authorized the original purchase of the rings.

One of the rings would be auctioned off for more than $300,000.

When T.J. realized his check from Spina had bounced, he tried messaging Spina but got no response. He gave up after learning Spina had been arrested and was in jail on other charges.

Authorities did not say who tipped off federal investigators about Spina’s scheme. By December, Spina was charged in federal court in California.

Spina’s defense attorney, Thomas Ambrosio, said this year that his client accepted responsibility for what he did and declined to comment further.

Photos by Cameron Athletics