By Steve Andress
EUGENE, Ore. -- Despite pleading guilty to the crime, former Oregon quarterback Jermiah Masoli says he didn't steal from a University of Oregon fraternity.
Masoli and his parents granted their first interview about the incident to SI.com. Masoli admits he lied, but not about stealing anything. His family says he pleaded guilty to the charges because they were worried that if he lost the case in court, he would end up in prison, and the risk simply wasn't worth it.
The article, titled "The Lie: The Untold Story of Jeremiah Masoli's Downfall at Oregon" is the first time Masoli and his family have spoken about the incident.
He says he crossed paths with Embry that night in front of the frat house, and Embry asked him to come check out a party with him. He agreed and went in. When he saw Embry come out of a room with a projector in hand, he realized something was up and left immediately.
When police questioned him, he says he lied because he was worried that just being associated to the situation would get him in trouble.
The article seems to back Masoli's story up on many levels, pointing out that none of the stolen items were ever found in Masoli's possession.
The article even cites a statement signed by long snapper Jeff Palmer who says he got into a truck Embry was riding in that same night and says he saw Embry grab a guitar and two Apple laptops from the bed of the truck, which he took insideto his apartment when they dropped him off.
Those items, along with the projector, were reported stolen.
