A former federal prosecutor has voiced concerns over the handling of the investigation into the recent golf cart incident involving JOHN ELWAY at the Madison Club in La Quinta, California. The incident, which occurred on March 26, involved JEFFREY SPERBECK, a 62-year-old close friend and agent of Elway, who fell from the back of a golf cart and sustained serious injuries. Sperbeck was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where he tragically passed away on Wednesday.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has opened an investigation into the incident, though JOHN ELWAY has not been charged with any crime. Elway has retained HARVEY STEINBERG, a Denver-based attorney with a history of representing athletes in legal matters. The sheriff’s office stated in a social media post that the incident appears to be a tragic accident, with no evidence suggesting otherwise.
However, the investigation has raised questions about the timeline of the sheriff’s involvement. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office reportedly learned of the incident two days after it occurred, prompting criticism from former Assistant U.S. Attorney NEAMA RAHMANI. Rahmani told Fox News that the delay in the sheriff’s response suggests either a lack of transparency or inefficiency in their handling of the case.
A spokesperson for Cal Fire, which initially responded to the incident, explained that the sheriff’s office was not called to the scene because the situation was classified as a medical emergency. Riverside County Sheriff CHAD BIANCO responded to the criticism by suggesting that Rahmani’s comments were unwarranted, stating, “Maybe it’s a good thing it’s coming from a ‘former federal prosecutor.’ It appears we are all much better off with them in retirement.”
JOHN ELWAY publicly addressed the tragedy on Wednesday, expressing his profound grief over the loss of Sperbeck. In a statement, Elway described Sperbeck as a close friend, business partner, and agent, emphasizing the deep impact of his sudden passing. Sperbeck’s family also released a heartfelt statement, mourning the loss of a beloved father, husband, and friend.
The incident has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of those involved. Sperbeck, who became Elway’s agent in 1990, represented numerous NFL players, including Pro Football Hall of Famers RONNIE LOTT and JIM PLUNKETT. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has stated that it will take appropriate action based on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
For more details, visit [Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com).
**Sources:**
– Fox News
– TMZ
– ESPN