Ex-Federal Prosecutor Questions Sheriff’s Handling of John Elway Golf Cart Death: “Mistakes Were Made
Questions are mounting over how a fatal golf cart incident involving NFL legend John Elway was handled by local law enforcement in Riverside County, California.
According to authorities, Jeffrey Sperbeck, 62 — Elway’s longtime agent and friend — suffered fatal injuries on March 26 after falling off the back of a golf cart driven at the Madison Club in La Quinta. He was rushed to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where he passed away two days later.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office says it wasn’t notified about the incident until Monday, two days after it occurred. Cal Fire confirmed to Fox News Digital that the initial call was labeled “medical,” which is why law enforcement wasn’t dispatched at the time.
Former Prosecutor: ‘Either Dishonest or Negligent’
Neama Rahmani, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, told Fox News Digital that the delay in law enforcement involvement is highly irregular. “The sheriff’s office is either being less than honest or not doing their job,” Rahmani said. “Nothing else makes sense. It’s strange law enforcement wouldn’t respond to a serious injury involving a public figure like Elway.”
But Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco dismissed Rahmani’s concerns, telling Fox News Digital, “Maybe it’s a good thing he’s a former federal prosecutor. It appears we’re all better off with them in retirement.”
Incident Timeline Raises Eyebrows
TMZ first reported that Elway was allegedly driving the golf cart and leaving a Stagecoach after-party when Sperbeck fell. Elway owns a property just 10 minutes from the Madison Club. Although Elway has not been charged with any crime, he has retained Denver-based attorney Harvey Steinberg, known for representing athletes in high-profile cases.
The sheriff’s department issued a statement Friday saying “there’s nothing to indicate this is anything more than a tragic accident”, but confirmed that the case remains under active investigation. Officials say they will “take appropriate action based on the outcome.”
Elway and Family Respond After Death
In a public statement following Sperbeck’s passing, Elway expressed deep sorrow: “I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck,” he said. “There are no words to express the profound sadness I feel.”
Sperbeck’s family also issued a statement, describing him as a “wonderful father, husband, brother, son, and friend.” They added, “We are grieving this unimaginable loss alongside our dearest friends, the Elways.”
Sperbeck had managed Elway’s career since 1990 and represented other NFL greats like Ronnie Lott and Jim Plunkett. He was highly respected within the professional sports industry.
