MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Former Super Bowl winner Cedrick Wilson is the latest to be indicted in a test-taking scheme in which teacher candidates would hire others to take certification tests on their behalf in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi.
Wilson, 33, is the 14th person to be indicted in the scam. Four others have also pleaded guilty to their part in the conspiracy.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office of West Tennessee, Wilson is accused of conspiring with the scam's ringleader, Clarence Mumford, Sr., to pay for pose as him to take his PRAXIS Physical Education exam in 2009. Wilson then used the fraudulent exams to apply for a position with the Memphis City Schools system. He has been charged with conspiracy to violate U.S. laws, wire fraud and social security fraud.
“While Mr. Wilson’s status as a former professional athlete afforded him a unique opportunity to be a mentor to students, his actions, as described in today’s indictment, should serve as a stark reminder that no one is above the law,” said U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III. “Such conduct undermines the great work that dedicated teachers perform each day, and does a disservice to our schools and our schoolchildren.”
Wilson was a wide receiver at the University of Tennessee from 1997-2000, and played professionally for the San Francisco 49ers and the Pittsburg Steelers. He earned a Super Bowl Ring with the Steelers in 2005.
