The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current, October 27, 1972, SECOND SECTION, Page PAGE 3, Image 15
"This same guy in a blue sedan was outside our apartment every time I came out," Rodgers said. "Morning and night. He was damn near always there." Then there was a magazine salesman at their door about the same time. He came back three or four times. "This one time he told us he had a record," Rodgers said. "He supposedly served five years in Colorado or something. And he asks my if I can get him some grass." Rodgers and Hughes became suspicious. The guy never came back. "We think he was a narc," Rodgers said. It was also last spring when Rodgers was arrested for possession of marijuana. Johnny was riding to Omaha with a friend. The car was picked up on the way for speeding and the police said they smelled marijuana. Rodgers and the driver were searched. "They didn't ask for my ID or anything," Rodgers said in an interview with the Topeka Capitol Journal this summer. "The guy just said: 'Come on, Johnny, get out of the car. We're taking you for possession.'" Because the patrolman knew Rodgers was in the car without checking his identification leads attorney Robert Fromkin to say, "He was fingered. I'll guarantee you." Rodgers was never charged with possession. He said, however, that his phone was bugged after the incident. Those were trying times. But Rodgers knows he has brought some of the problems on himself. He knows he made mistakes. He knows people don't forget larceny. He knows people draw adverse opinions when one is under suspicion of possessing marijuana. Even if you're not found guilty. Johnny Rodgers knows. "I feel like I'm in an ocean of trouble," Rodgers said. "I'm trying to swim out. I can see the dock. I keep trying, but I can't swim out. I'm not smart enough or lucky enough to make it. I feel like I'm getting closer, but I just can't make it." Rodgers' attitude has changed since he was a freshman. He has matured. "I wasn't a serious sort of person in high school," Rodgers said. "Discrimination and that stuff was new to me when I came to college. I wasn't really exposed to it before. I made some mistakes and then I learned just how cold-blooded life was." Rodgers' first mistake was on the last day of classes his freshman year. He and some buddies robbed a gas station. "It was just a college prank," Rodgers said. "We just wanted to see if we could pull it off." They pulled it off and netted $90. One year later-when one of Rodgers' buddies leaked the information Rodgers was charged and was placed on probation for two years. During his probation he was arrested while driving on a suspended license. Then before it came to court, he was arrested on marijuana possession. The mail flooded the Nebraska athletic department. Folks said Johnny Rodgers should not be allowed on the football field. But after the University of Nebraska student tribunal re-admitted Rogers as a student, Devaney allowed him to play football. "We do not condone John's actions in anyway," Devaney said in July of 1971, "but we feel that to deprive him of the opportunity to play football would work against the aims of probation already established." Devaney and Rodgers have been very close since then. "I owe so much to coach Devaney," Rodgers said. "He really understands. I was very lucky to have a coach who understands." But the public hasn't been so understanding. Life still isn't easy for Johnny Rodgers. They're still telling the jokes. "Once in awhile I just feel like saying the hell with it," Rodgers said. "I feel like it just isn't it worth it. Somebody is out to get me. I don't know why. But I've stuck it out because I like to play football and I think it's the best way for me to make it when I'm done here." One of Rodgers' goals in football has been hindered, also because of public opinion. Johnny wants to win the Heisman Trophy. But he knows it's a popularity contest, and he doesn't feel he's the most popular candidate for the award. "Even though the Heisman Trophy is a popularity contest you still have to be a good football player to win it," Rodgers said. "I'm trying to prove I'm the best." He's even added some stunts. Like running into the endzone backwards and wearing white shoes. "I have to get noticed," Rodgers said. "I have to make-up for the trouble I've page 3 been in. I feel I should win the Heisman Trophy because I do things four or five people do on other teams." Rodgers was referring to the abilities of his good friend, Oklahoma's Greg Pruitt, who is the leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy. "Greg is fast and runs with the football," Rodgers said. "Big deal. That's only one thing. I can do it all." Rodgers' attitude and showmanship hasn't created adverse feelings on Nebraska's football team. The Nebraska players encourage it. In fact, they've suggested others things he might try. "One guy wants me to spike the ball over the goal post on my next touchdown," Rodgers said. "It's not a bad idea, but I might not jump high enough. It would be embarrasing." The players respect Rodgers' ability. They also respect his attitude on the field. 'There's not a better guy to have out there than Johnny," said quarterback David Humm. "He always gives you everything. He never lets down. He's worked hard during a game, but he always keeps going." That's the Johnny Rodgers the players know. And that's the Johnny Rodgers his friends know. Cjt that's not the Johnny Rodgers ihe public knows. Their opinions have been grossly distorted. The public doesn't know the Johnny Rodgers that drives to Omaha at least once a week to speak with grade school kids. And they don't know the Johnny Rodgers that gave the 1972 Orange Bowl game ball to former Husker football player Rex Lowe who was dying df Hodgkins disease. Johnny Rodgers has gone through it all. The good and the bad. "Your friends know you and understand you," Rodgers said. 'They're the ones that matter. I want the public to like me, but some people just won't forget. They're only on your side when things are hip." f a .? II" ATTENTION FRASIER (the SENSUOUS LION) FANS FRASIER Fan Club Kits are now available. Frasiar, the lusty Lion, happily passed away on July 13, 1972. This club for ADULTS was established in his honor. It's fun to belong as the Club Card is a humorooB conversational topic. A kit includes an 8x10 pictured Frasier, a fact sheet and a lifetime membership aarJf, plus a reproduced copy of old Frasmr's "PEP" Formula. All for only $1.00. JOIN NOW! Send $1.00 to: International Associational of Frasiers and Prides P.O. Box 27113 Omaha, Nebr. 68127 NAME ADDRESS , A CE CITY STATE (Allow Approximately 2 Weeks For Mailing) .ZIP..