'Strange' handling of John Elway golf cart incident called out by ex-prosecutor who says mistakes were made
Share and Follow

A former federal prosecutor in California said he thinks the sheriff’s office involved in investigating John Elway’s golf cart incident is either being dishonest or not doing its job.

According to officials, Elway’s longtime friend and agent, Jeffrey Sperbeck, 62, fell off the back of a golf cart at the Madison Club in La Quinta, California. A Cal Fire spokesperson told Fox News Digital the agency responded to the incident at 6:50 p.m. March 26. Sperbeck sustained “serious injuries” and was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where he died Wednesday.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation into the golf cart incident. Elway hasn’t been charged with any crime. Fox News Digital confirmed Friday that Elway has retained Denver-based lawyer Harvey Steinberg. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said in a Friday evening post on X that “there’s nothing to indicate that this is anything more than a tragic accident.”

TMZ reported Elway was driving the golf cart at the time of the incident and was leaving a Stagecoach after-party. Public records show Elway has a property 10 minutes away from the Madison Club.

John Elway looks on

John Elway stands on the field before a game between the Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High Dec. 19, 2021, in Denver, Colo.  (Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday it would “take appropriate action based on the outcome” of the investigation.

Elway publicly commented on the incident after Sperbeck died Wednesday, according to ESPN.

“I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck,” Elway said. “There are no words to truly express the profound sadness I feel with the sudden loss of someone who has meant so much to me.”

Sperbeck’s family also released a statement after his death.

John Elway looks on field

John Elway stands on the sideline during the fourth quarter of a game between the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High Dec. 1, 2019, in Denver, Colo. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved Jeff Sperbeck. He was a wonderful father, husband, brother, son and friend to many and will be profoundly missed by all,” the Sperbeck family said. “We are grieving this unimaginable loss as a family alongside our dearest friends, the Elways, and the many other clients Jeff called friends.”

Elway and Sperbeck became friends in 1990 after Sperbeck became Elway’s manager. Among Sperbeck’s other clients are Pro Football Hall of Famers Ronnie Lott and Jim Plunkett, and the agent has represented hundreds of other NFL players.

Fox News Digital reached out to Elway’s lawyer for comment.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
This image made from video provided by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) shows a muddy eruption at Black Diamond Pool in Yellowstone National Park on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. (U.S. Geological Survey via AP)

Video Captures Dramatic Mud Eruption at Yellowstone’s Black Diamond Pool

“Kablooey!” This is how experts from the U.S. Geological Survey depicted a…
NC plane crash: Passenger texted family member ahead of crash that killed Greg Biffle and family, NTSB says

NTSB Report: Passenger Sent Final Message to Family Before Fatal North Carolina Plane Crash Involving Greg Biffle and Family

The tragic plane crash in North Carolina continues to raise unresolved questions…
Australia vows to strengthen hate speech laws, gun control in wake of Bondi Beach attack

Australia to Tighten Hate Speech Legislation and Gun Control Measures Following Bondi Beach Incident

Following the tragic mass shooting at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration,…
Shooting at an Oklahoma State University residence hall wounds at least 3 people

ICE Agent Opens Fire in Self-Defense After Being Struck by SUV: Investigative Details Unfold

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — In Minnesota’s state capital, a dramatic incident…
Deckhand says he WAS driving speedboat that killed Kirsty MacColl

Deckhand Confesses to Piloting Speedboat in Kirsty MacColl Tragedy

Twenty-five years ago, in the crystalline waters surrounding Mexico’s idyllic Cozumel Island,…
Gun jams as shoplifting suspect tries to shoot Ohio police officer at point-blank range in wild bodycam video

Gun Malfunction Saves Ohio Police Officer During Close-Range Encounter with Shoplifting Suspect, Captured on Bodycam Video

An intense video captures the harrowing moment when a suspected shoplifter attempted…
Eagles overcome flubs to top Commanders and repeat as NFC East champs

Eagles Triumph Over Commanders to Secure Consecutive NFC East Championship Titles

LANDOVER, Md. — The Philadelphia Eagles, reigning Super Bowl champions, did not…
Russia says Ukraine peace talks 'proceeding constructively,' as Kremlin launches deadly strike on Odesa

Russia Claims Progress in Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Escalating Tensions with Odesa Attack

In a recent update from the ongoing conflict, Kremlin envoy Kirill Dimitriev…