Former New York Jets cornerback Buster Skrine was arrested in Canada on multiple charges of fraud
Canadian authorities announced Thursday that former New York Jets defensive back Buster Skrine was arrested and facing multiple charges of fraud.
Authorities say Skrine “was attending numerous financial institutions where he would identify himself as a retired NFL player. He would open bank accounts with fraudulent cheques and obtain a portion of the money prior to the cheque clearing.”
The 34-year-old is being charged with four counts of fraud exceeding $5,000, seven counts of making false statements to procure money, three counts of possessing property obtained by crime exceeding $5,000, and one count of possessing property obtained by crime under $5,000.
Canadian authorities detained Skrine at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport with help from U.S. Customs. Currently, Skrine is being held until his bail hearing, which is TBD.
Prior to this arrest, Skrine has been the subject of similar fraud rumors. These rumors involved the former Jets DB promising ticket packages at discounted prices to friends and former teammates. Once payment was given to Skrine, he would “disappear”.
This needs to be read, to all of jets nation. I’m livid and extremely disheartened by this. Please share and make it stop. @nyjets @espn #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/5mjo1IibIt
— brady watson (@brady_watz1) September 9, 2022
These actions contradict the persona expressed by Skrine during his time in the NFL and with the Jets.
Skrine was drafted by the Clevland Browns in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL draft. In 2015, he signed a four-year, $25 million contract with the Jets.
With the Jets, Skrine played a significant role as a slot cornerback. He would appear in 59 games for Gang Green recording 3 interceptions and 2.5 sacks to go along with 224 tackles.
In 2019, Skrine signed a three-year, $16 million contract with the Chicago Bears. After being released prior to the 2021 season, Skrine latched on to the San Francisco 49ers, appearing in one game. He would later appear in six games for the Tennessee Titans before retiring from the NFL in 2022.
