Ex-Florida QB Matthews jailed for 3 months for role in healthcare conspiracy

Former Florida quarterback Shane Matthews was handed a three-month jail sentence last week for his role in a multimillion healthcare fraud conspiracy, and the former two-time SEC Player of the Year issued a statement on Tuesday.

Monty Grow, former Florida linebacker and teammate of Matthews, was convicted unanimously by a jury of swindling $20 million from the TRICARE program, designed to provide medical insurance for U.S. military members, veterans, and their families, according to Jay Weaver of The Miami Herald.

Matthews had been hired by Grow as a member of an independent marketing team, and earned $440,000 in his role, according to Weaver.

"In the spring of 2016, I was approached by the authorities and informed that this was, indeed, a fraudulent operation," Matthews said in his statement. "Stunned by this revelation, I immediately cooperated with the authorities and offered to give back every cent of my compensation.

"I deeply regret getting involved with Mr. Grow's business. My biggest mistake was not asking more questions in regards to his business practices."

The former quarterback cemented his name in Florida's record books during his three-year tenure from 1990-92, and still ranks third in school history in passing yards (9,287) and fifth in passing touchdowns (74).