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Families Launch Private Search for NFL Players

Coast Guard search was called off yesterday, and they were presumed dead

By the Associated Press

Posted Mar 4, 2009 5:14 PM CST

(AP) – The families of the missing football players aren't giving up. Private boats and planes were searching today for two NFL players and a third man after the Coast Guard called off its search yesterday. The men—Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper, NFL defensive lineman Corey Smith and former South Florida player William Bleakley—went missing four days ago, when their boat capsized in the Gulf of Mexico.

This photo released by the U.S. Coast Guard, shows former University of South Florida football player Nick Schuyler clinging to the engine of an overturned boat in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday.
This photo released by the U.S. Coast Guard, shows former University of South Florida football player Nick Schuyler clinging to the engine of an overturned boat in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday.   (AP Photo/U.S. Coast Guard, HO)
Dr. Mark Rumbak, attending physician for rescued boater Nick Schuyler, speaks to the media Wednesday.
Dr. Mark Rumbak, attending physician for rescued boater Nick Schuyler, speaks to the media Wednesday.   (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Dr. Mark Rumbak, attending physician for rescued boater Nick Schuyler, speaks to the media during a news conference Wednesday March 4, 2009 at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Fla.
Dr. Mark Rumbak, attending physician for rescued boater Nick Schuyler, speaks to the media during a news conference Wednesday March 4, 2009 at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Fla.   (Chris O'Meara)
Oakland Raiders head football coach Tom Cable talks during a news conference about missing Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper.
Oakland Raiders head football coach Tom Cable talks during a news conference about missing Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Ray Sanchez, a cousin of missing fisherman Marquis Cooper, right, hugs an unidentified man at the US Coast Guard station in St. Petersburg yesterday.
Ray Sanchez, a cousin of missing fisherman Marquis Cooper, right, hugs an unidentified man at the US Coast Guard station in St. Petersburg yesterday.   (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
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Florida • NFL • Coast Guard • missing boater • fishermen • Corey Smith • Marquis Cooper • William Bleakley

 
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