Jump to content

Greg Skrepenak

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Greg Skrepenak
Luzerne County Board of Commissioners
In office
January 6, 2004 – December 17, 2009
Succeeded byThomas Cooney
ConstituencyLuzerne County, Pennsylvania
Personal details
Political partyDemocratic
Children3
Residence(s)Luzerne County, Pennsylvania,U.S.
Websitewww.luzernecounty.org
Greg Skrepenak
No. 78, 75
Position:Offensive tackle
Personal information
Born:(1970-01-31)January 31, 1970(age 54)
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania,U.S.
Height:6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Weight:325 lb (147 kg)
Career information
High school:G.A.R. Memorial
(Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania)
College:Michigan
NFL draft:1992/ Round: 2 / Pick: 32
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games started:68
Games played:56
Player stats atPFR

Gregory Andrew Skrepenak(born January 31, 1970) is an American formercounty commissionerinPennsylvaniaand retired professionalfootballplayer. He was anoffensive tacklein theNational Football League(NFL) for theLos Angeles/Oakland Raidersand theCarolina Panthers.Skrepenak's professional football career spanned the final three years the Raiders played inLos Angeles, Californiafrom1992-1994and the first year they returned toOakland,California in1995.Then, it continued with consecutive seasons (1996and1997) with theCarolina Panthersin which he did not miss a start.[1]

Prior to the NFL, Skrepenak had starred as acollege footballplayer in theBig Ten Conferencefor theMichigan Wolverines.He was a two-timeAll-American,teamcaptain,and four-year starter from1988-1991.[2]Skrepenak played on four consecutive Big Ten champion teams, appeared in threeRose Bowlsand won a Gator BowlMVP.Previously he had been a scholar athlete atG. A. R. Memorial Junior Senior High Schoolwhere he earned 12varsity lettersin football,basketballandbaseball.[3]

Skrepenak, who was born and raised inWilkes-BarreinLuzerne County,Pennsylvania,United States, was elected in 2003 to serve as the Luzerne County Commissioner, a position he held from January 2004[3]until December, 2009. On December 17, 2009, he signed a plea agreement to a charge of corruption and resigned.[4]On August 6, 2010, Skrepenak was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison.[5]

Early life

[edit]

Skrepenak was born and raised inWilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania,where he attendedG. A. R. Memorial Junior Senior High School.In high school, he was anhonor studentwho excelled in three sports:American football,basketballandbaseball.In football, he earned All-scholastic, All-state, and All-American recognition. In basketball, where he scored 1600points,he was a four-time All-scholastic athlete and two-time conferenceMost Valuable Playeras well as aMcDonald's All-Americanteam nominee. In baseball, he was a three-time All-scholastic awardee and an MVP. As a result of his accomplishments he was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania State Sports Hall of Fame.[3][6]

College

[edit]
Skrepenak played for four consecutiveBig Ten ConferenceChampions and appeared in threeRose Bowls.

At theUniversity of Michigan,Skrepenak was a two-time All-American, a two-time "All Big Ten" selection and a two-time "Big Ten Lineman of the Year".[2]Skrepenak, who wore #75 for theWolverinesfrom1987to1991,[7]was also recognized as a "Samaritan All-American" for his community service.[3]Number 75 for the Wolverines is described as the biggest player to have ever played for Michigan at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m), 322 pounds (146 kg).[2][8]As a four-year starter, he set the school offensive line record with 48 starts.[2]In addition, he helped his running backs set new standards in yards/carry for Michigan football. During his time at Michigan, Skrepenak played for four consecutiveBig Ten ConferenceChampions,[9][10][11][12]appeared in threeRose Bowlsand won a Gator BowlMVP.His teams underBo SchembechlerandGary Moellercompiled a 29–2–1 Big Ten record and each of his teams ended the season ranked in the top 10.

In theJanuary 1991 Gator Bowl,Skrepenak and the entire offensive line, which includedDean Dingman,were namedMost Valuable Player.Skrepenak helped the Michigan offense gain a record 715 yards of total offense in a 35-3 victory overMississippiin the Gator Bowl.[13]This marked the culmination of a productive season in which the offensive line helpedJon Vaughnset the Michigan football record for career yards per carry (minimum 200 attempts).[14]Behind true senior Dingman and redshirt junior Skrepenak, redshirt sophomore Vaughn concluded his Michigan career that season with 1,473 yards on 226rushesfor a career 6.3 yards per attempt average, including 1,416 yards on 216 rushes during the 1990 season.[14]

In 1991, he was a consensus All-American.[15]As the senior offensive captain, he was a finalist for both theOutland Trophyand theLombardi Award.[16]He was the January 1, 1991Gator Bowlco-MVP and aSenior Bowlparticipant.[2]The following season, he was a member of theoffensive linethat protectedElvis Grbacwhile he was connecting withHeisman TrophywinnerDesmond Howard.Also during that season,Tyrone Wheatleyset the Michigan freshman yards per carry (minimum 50 attempts) with 555 yards on 86 carries for a 6.4 yards per attempt average behind Skrepenak after Dingman graduated.[14]In 2000, he was voted onto the Wolverine’s "All-Century Team".[15]

Professional football

[edit]

Skrepenak was drafted in the1992 NFL Draftwith the 32nd overall pick in the second round by the Los Angeles Raiders.[17]He stayed with the franchise for four seasons, which included a relocation from Los Angeles to Oakland. During training camp of the1993 NFL seasonhe was moving into the starting lineup due to an injury toGerald Perry.[18]However, he was injured during his second preseason start whenCharles Haleybull rushed him, which caused him to get tangled up betweenJeff Hostetlerand theturfand which resulted in a dislocated ankle joint that kept him out for the season.[19][20]Skrepenak did not become a starter for the Raiders until midway through the1994 NFL seasonwhen he replacedBruce Wilkerson.[21]He started the final 10 games of 1994 and the first 14 games of the1995 NFL seasonbefore being benched toward the end of the season in favor ofRobert Jenkins.[22][23]Skrepenak was deactivated from therosterfor the final two games of the season right before his contract expired. Officially, the deactivation was due to a combination of a rib injury and the flu, but some say it may have also been partially due to vocal play selection criticism.[24]However,head coachMike Whiteandassistant coachJoe Bugelsaid the benching was merely a function of the full strengthdepth chartupon the return of Gerald Perry.[25]Skrepenak was a vocal detractor on the organization after leaving the Raiders.[26]Among the opinions Skrepenak expressed during his time with the Raiders was that the Raiders overemphasized slogans related to team history while setting penalty records as a team.[27]

The Panthers signed him in the offseason after the1995 NFL seasonas an unrestrictedfree agent.[28]While he was a Panther, he andBlake Brockermeyerwere considered the key components of theoffensive line.[29]He was the only Panther to start every game of both the1996and1997 National Football League seasons.He was named to the Panther’s All-Time Team.[3]He was released from the team due tosalary capconsiderations.[30]Skrepenak was rumored to be sought after by theMiami Dolphinsin 1998.[31]However, he spent the year out of football. Skrepenak was in the Oakland Raiders' 1999 summer camp, but during his comeback attempt he had to leave the Raiders camp in on August 10, 1999 to attend to personal business back in Wilkes-Barre for several days.[32][33]Skrepenak was a supporter of the newJon Grudencoaching administration upon his return to the Raiders despite the fact that he was not as highly paid or expected to start.[26][34]Skrepenak was a popular offensive lineman with the Raiders and his spot was held in his absence with a special tribute bySteve WisniewskiandMo Collinswho both wore his jersey number in his absence.[35]Skrepenak returned to camp for a few weeks.[26][36]On August 31, he was released.[32]

During Skrepenak's career, he played for only one playoff team.Coach,Dom Capers' 1996 Carolina Panthers went 12–4 during the1996 NFL seasonbut lost to theGreen Bay Packersin theNational Football ConferenceChampionship game of the1996-97 NFL playoffs.[37]That season Skrepenak helped protect the team's onlyPro Bowler,quarterbackKerry Collins.[38]Although Skrepenak missed the1993 NFL seasondue to injury,Art Shell's 1993 Los Angeles Raiders went 10–6 and advanced one round in the1993-94 NFL playoffsbefore losing to theBuffalo Bills.[39]Skrepenak playedoffensive tackleduring his years with the Raiders andoffensive guardduring his years with the Panthers.[22]He has regularly played on the right side of the line.[30]

Political career

[edit]

Upon retirement, Skrepenak returned to Luzerne County, where hisancestrytraces back several generations.[40]He subsequently began a career in local politics, was elected to the Luzerne County Board of Commissioners in 2003 and served as its chairman beginning January 6, 2004. Elected on an anti-drug and anti-crime platform,[41]he also earmarked$2.5 million in Community Development funding for the Wilkes-Barre Movies 14 Complex.[42]He was also involved in efforts to bring a newairporttoHazleton, Pennsylvania.[43]

Skrepenak announced a bid for re-election in the November 6, 2007 election,[44]running jointly with County Controller Maryanne Petrilla, and the pair won the primary.[45]During his campaign a controversy arose surrounding the use of commissioners' debit cards. Skrepenak's expenses totalled $22,139.93, including $3,743 forgang-related training inLos Angeles, California,$524.08 for anaccountingstandards manual and $798.63 for communications equipment.[46]

Skrepenak had considered running forDon Sherwood'sUnited States House of Representativesseat that was contested and won byChris Carneyin the 2006 elections.[47]However, after meetings with the NationalDemocratic Congressional Campaign Committeehe decided not to run for theUnited States Congressin the heavilyRepublicandistrict. Congressman Sherwood's defeat resulted in the district flipping Democratic for the first time since 1961.[48]Skrepenak was re-elected by finishing among the top three in a contest for county commissioner. The unofficial results were Maryanne Petrilla (D) 33,827 votes (29%), Greg Skrepenak (D /Inc.) 32,281 (27%), Stephen Urban (R / Inc.) 27,835 (24%) and Bill Jones (R) 24,071 (20%).[49]

Corruption Scandal

[edit]

On December 17, 2009, Skrepenak announced he was resigning his position with the Luzerne County Commissioners effective immediately. The resignation came one day after Skrepenak signed a plea agreement with theU.S. Attorney’s office as part apay to playcorruption investigation in Luzerne County.[50]Skrepenak stated that he resigned due to a clash between longtime cultural practices in county politics and the higher standards of public office and the law. Specifically, he was formally charged with accepting a $5,000 bribe from a developer for voting to accept the developer's project into a government funded tax incentive program.[51]

On August 6, 2010, Skrepenak was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison.United States Federal Sentencing Guidelinescalled for a 33- to 41-month sentence. However, his sentence was reduced for cooperation with an ongoing federal corruption probe. He was not granted leniency for charitable works, medical complications or devotion to family.[5]On June 12, 2012, he was released from ahalfway houseafter being transferred from federal prison inBeckley, West Virginiain early April.[52]He then served three yearsprobation.Since his release, he has worked as a legal researcher for aKingstonlaw firm.[53]

References

[edit]
  1. ^"Greg Skrepenak".datafootball.com.databaseSports.com. 2006. Archived fromthe originalon 2007-09-30.Retrieved2007-10-28.
  2. ^abcde"Greg Skrepenak".University of Michigan Athletics History.The Regents of the University of Michigan. 2007-02-10.Retrieved2007-10-28.
  3. ^abcde"Commissioner Gregory A. Skrepenak".Luzerne County. 2006-09-01. Archived fromthe originalon October 14, 2007.Retrieved2007-10-28.
  4. ^Sisak, Michael (2009-12-17)."Skrepenak to resign amid 'mistakes'".Hazelton Standard-Speaker.Retrieved2010-08-09.
  5. ^abSisak, Michael (2010-08-06)."Skrepenak sentenced to 24 months in prison, fine".The Times-Tribune.Retrieved2010-08-09.
  6. ^"State Hall of Fame Inductees from the Luzerne County Chapter".luzernecountysportshalloffame.com.Retrieved2007-10-31.
  7. ^"Bentley Historical Library -- -- U of M Football Rosters".The Regents of the University of Michigan. 2003-08-25. Archived fromthe originalon 2007-09-28.Retrieved2007-11-04.
  8. ^"Bentley Historical Library -- -- U of M Football Rosters".The Regents of the University of Michigan. 2005-08-30. Archived fromthe originalon 2007-09-28.Retrieved2007-11-04.
  9. ^"1988 Football Team".The Regents of the University of Michigan. 2007-03-31.Retrieved2007-12-31.
  10. ^"1989 Football Team".The Regents of the University of Michigan. 2007-03-31.Retrieved2007-12-31.
  11. ^"1990 Football Team".The Regents of the University of Michigan. 2007-03-31.Retrieved2007-12-31.
  12. ^"1991 Football Team".The Regents of the University of Michigan. 2007-04-09.Retrieved2007-12-31.
  13. ^"Michigan's Bowl Game History: 1991 Gator Bowl".The Regents of the University of Michigan. 2006-04-10.Retrieved2007-11-27.
  14. ^abc"Michigan Football Statistic Archive Query Page".Regents of the University of Michigan. 2003. Archived fromthe originalon 2007-11-12.Retrieved2007-11-27.
  15. ^abJones, Todd (2007). "Michigan". In MacCambridge, Michael (ed.).ESPN Big Ten College Football Encyclopedia.ESPN Enterprises. p. 64.ISBN978-1-933060-49-1.
  16. ^"Emtman Wins Lombardi Award".The New York Times Company. 1991-12-06.Retrieved2007-11-19.
  17. ^"1992 NFL Draft Listing".Pro-Football-Reference.com.Retrieved2023-05-07.
  18. ^White, Lonnie (1993-08-12)."PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT RAIDERS A Better Look at Cowboys in Store".Los Angeles Times.Archived fromthe originalon 2011-05-24.Retrieved2007-12-23.
  19. ^Springer, Steve (1993-08-15)."Turnovers Remain Flaw for Raiders Pro football: They throw three interceptions and lose to the Cowboys, 13-7. Dallas plays without Aikman and Smith".Los Angeles Times.Archived fromthe originalon 2011-05-24.Retrieved2007-12-23.
  20. ^Springer, Steve (1993-08-16)."PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT RAIDERS From Big Break to Painful Injury".Los Angeles Times.Retrieved2007-12-23.
  21. ^Springer, Steve (1994-10-21)."PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT RAIDERS Skrepenak Finally Gets Big Chance".Los Angeles Times.Archived fromthe originalon 2011-05-24.Retrieved2007-12-23.
  22. ^ab"Greg Skrepenak".Pro-Football-Reference.com.Sports Reference, LLC.Retrieved2007-12-21.
  23. ^Blackman, Frank (1995-12-15)."Perry's return likely means more bench time for Skrepenak RAIDERS BEAT".San Francisco Chronicle.Hearst Communications Inc.Retrieved2007-12-23.
  24. ^Kroichick, Ron (1995-12-18)."Hostetler Bangs Up Shoulder -- Hobert Is Booed".San Francisco Chronicle.Hearst Communications Inc.Retrieved2007-12-23.
  25. ^Kroichick, Ron (1995-12-14)."Line Shuffle May Bench Skrepenak".San Francisco Chronicle.Hearst Communications Inc.Retrieved2007-12-23.
  26. ^abcBlackman, Frank (1999-08-30)."Bay Area's battle of perspective For the Raiders, winning may send important message".San Francisco Chronicle.Hearst Communications Inc.Retrieved2007-12-23.
  27. ^Miller, Ira (1997-01-08)."No Meddling With Panthers: Unlike Al Davis, Carolina owner gives free rein to GM, coach".San Francisco Chronicle.Hearst Communications Inc.Retrieved2007-12-23.
  28. ^"PRO FOOTBALL: NOTEBOOK;Hampton Takes a Tour With 49ers".The New York Times Company. 1996-02-27.Retrieved2007-12-23.
  29. ^George, Thomas (1996-09-22)."The Panthers' Plan Is Working".The New York Times Company.Retrieved2007-12-23.
  30. ^ab"SKREPENAK RETURNS TO RAIDERS; BENNETT SIGNS WITH COLTS".San Francisco Chronicle.Hearst Communications Inc. 1999-03-02.Retrieved2007-12-23.
  31. ^Fennell, Curt (1998-06-04)."Dolphins News: McDuffie Is MVP".Phins.com.Retrieved2007-10-30.
  32. ^ab"Personnel Changes: 1999 Season".David E. Brooks. Archived fromthe originalon October 25, 2006.Retrieved2007-10-30.
  33. ^Bush, David (1999-08-11)."RAIDERS NOTEBOOK: Guard Skrepenak Leaves Camp".San Francisco Chronicle.Hearst Communications Inc.Retrieved2007-12-23.
  34. ^Chadiha, Jeffri (1999-08-04)."Skrepenak sees better times".San Francisco Chronicle.Hearst Communications Inc.Retrieved2007-12-23.
  35. ^Blackman, Frank (1999-08-14)."Skrepenak returns to camp and may play against Dallas".San Francisco Chronicle.Hearst Communications Inc.Retrieved2007-12-23.
  36. ^Blackman, Frank (1999-08-15)."Skrepenak tries to make up for lost time now that he's back".San Francisco Chronicle.Hearst Communications Inc.Retrieved2007-12-23.
  37. ^"1996 Carolina Panthers".databaseFootball.com.databaseSports.com. Archived fromthe originalon 2006-04-30.Retrieved2007-12-21.
  38. ^"1996 NFL Pro Bowlers".Pro-Football-Reference.com.Sports Reference, LLC.Retrieved2007-12-21.
  39. ^"1993 Los Angeles Raiders".databaseFootball.com.databaseSports.com. Archived fromthe originalon 2006-08-28.Retrieved2007-12-21.
  40. ^"A Bold Step for the Huber Breaker".Windsor Park Theater. 2008-03-03.Retrieved2010-09-21.[dead link]
  41. ^"Luzerne County Commissioners: Gregory A. Skrepenak, Chairman".Luzerne County. Archived fromthe originalon 2007-05-27.Retrieved2007-10-30.
  42. ^"Commissioner Skrepenak Joins 'Film-cutting' to Open Theatre Complex".Luzerne County. 2006. Archived fromthe originalon August 20, 2007.Retrieved2007-10-30.
  43. ^Timberlake, Ben (2007-02-01)."New Hazleton airport aim is to relieve traffic".pahouse.com. Archived fromthe originalon 2008-11-21.Retrieved2007-10-30.
  44. ^"James starting write-in campaign".The Times Leader.Retrieved2007-10-30.
  45. ^Buffer, Michael P. (2007-05-16)."County Democrats choose Skrepenak and Petrilla".CitizensVoice.com.Townnews.com. Archived fromthe originalon 2018-11-16.Retrieved2007-11-07.
  46. ^Buffer, Michael P. (2007-10-25)."$40,000 and no receipts".CitizensVoice.com.Townnews.com.Retrieved2007-10-30.
  47. ^Brigham, Bob (2005-06-22)."PA-10: Greg Skrepenak".swingstateproject.com.Retrieved2007-11-07.
  48. ^Skrapits, Elizabeth (2007-08-31)."Skrepenak cancels run for Congress".CitizensVoice.com.Townnews.com.Retrieved2007-11-07.[permanent dead link]
  49. ^"Vote 2007: Complete List of Results".WorldNow and WNEP. 2007-11-07. Archived fromthe originalon 2007-10-10.Retrieved2007-11-07.
  50. ^Sisak, Michael R. (2009-12-17)."Skrepenak to resign amid 'mistakes'".The Standard Speaker.Retrieved2009-12-19.
  51. ^Sisak, Michael R. and Dave Janoski (2009-12-18)."Luzerne Commissioner Skrepenak resigns and will plead guilty".The Progress-Index.Retrieved2009-12-19.
  52. ^Lynott, Jerry (2012-04-06)."Skrep is released ahead of schedule: Family member confirms ex-commissioner is let go ahead of June 12 release date".The Sunday Dispatch.Pittston, PA. Archived fromthe originalon 2013-01-31.Retrieved2012-06-17.
  53. ^Janoski, Dave (2012-06-13)."Skrepenak released from halfway house".The Times-Tribune.Retrieved2012-06-17.
[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Greg_Skrepenak&oldid=1230314939"