Don Gaffney

Donald G. Gaffney (born February 1, 1954) is an American former college football player and politician. Gaffney was the first African-American to play quarterback for the Florida Gators football team of the University of Florida, and was later elected to the Florida House of Representatives, until he resigned following his conviction for extortion.[1]

Donald G. Gaffney
Member of the Florida House of Representatives
from the 16th district
In office
1986–1988
Preceded byJohn Thomas
Succeeded byBetty Holzendorf
Personal details
Born (1954-02-01) February 1, 1954
Jacksonville, Florida
Political partyDemocratic
Alma materUniversity of Florida (BS, JD)
ProfessionBusinessman, Attorney

Biography

Gaffney was born on February 1, 1954, in Jacksonville, Florida.[2] He was an All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection at quarterback, and led the Gators to three bowl games (Tangerine Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and Gator Bowl) as their starting quarterback from 1973 until 1975. His younger brother Derrick Gaffney also had a successful collegiate football career.[3] His brothers Warren and Johnny also played football for the Florida Gators.[2]

Gaffney taught business law at the University of North Florida.[2] He has also worked in the office supply business.[2]

Political career

Gaffney served on the Jacksonville City Council from 1983 until 1986. He was elected to Florida House in 1986.

In 1987 he was accused of mail fraud and extortion in an insurance scam in which he claimed his business was burglarized. He was found guilty and sentenced to two years in prison. He resigned his House seat on April 1, 1988.[2][4]

References
  1. "Don Gaffney, former Jacksonville lawmaker convicted of mail fraud, running for seat in Florida Legislature".
  2. Donald G. "Don" Gaffney Florida House of Representatives profile
  3. Jack Strickland's Florida Tales... How UF's Don Gaffney broke quarterback color barrier, Auburn jinx – as Auburn comes to play again October 10, 2011 The Tallahassee News
  4. United States District Court, M.D. Florida, Jacksonville Division (July 8, 1988). "United States v. Gaffney, 689 F. Supp. 1580 (M.D. Fla. 1988)". law.justia.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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