Bruce Cooper of KPNX 12 TV Phoenix is the father of Marquis Cooper. Bruce Cooper, a sportscaster for KNPX, has issued the following statement about the disappearance of son Marquis, a linebacker for the Raiders.

Bruce says of Marquis today:

I truly appreciate the overwhelming number of phone calls, text messages and support relative to Marquis and his friends missing at sea.  My wife and I learned of the situation when we received a call at about 7 am from the parents of Marquis’ wife, Rebekah. We were told the Coast Guard began searching at around 2 am EST but was unable to send a helicopter up at the time because of bad weather.  By 9 am the weather had calmed and a helicopter was sent up to aid in the search.  Marquis went deep sea fishing with his friends around 5 am Saturday morning.  He routinely stays out on the water 12-14 hours but when his wife hadn’t heard from him by 9 pm Saturday night, she started making calls to check on him.

Marquis is an avid fisherman; he goes deep sea fishing any opportunity he gets.  Two years ago I went deep sea fishing with him.  I swore I would never do so again; I didn’t like the fact that I couldn’t see land.  Needless to say I am very concerned.  I am praying and hoping for the best.  Marquis was scheduled to report in Oakland on March 16 to began off-season workouts with the Oakland Raiders.

Again, thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers

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