ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 5, 1997 TAG: 9702050075
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JACK BOGACZYK
Having been frustrated by pro football in one foreign land, Maurice DeShazo is about to try another distant address.
DeShazo, the former Virginia Tech and Bassett High quarterback, has signed a contract to play for Bagomia in the Italian League, which plays a March-June schedule. DeShazo leaves Friday for Italy.
``I'll be gone about five months, and then I'm coming back and going to try the CFL [Canadian Football League] again,'' said DeShazo, still the Hokies' single-season and career touchdown-pass leader (1991-94). ``I just want to play, and I know I can still play.''
DeShazo was one of six quarterbacks in the CFL Calgary Stampders' preseason camp, a group that also included former Virginia and Martinsville High star Shawn Moore. Neither Virginian got a job that eventually went to CFL veteran Danny Barrett.
DeShazo ended up selling cars for a Fairfax dealership, where he was so successful, he's been promised a job when he leaves Italy and the CFL.
``It's been going great,'' DeShazo said. ``There are an awful lot of [Tech] alumni up there.''
His one-season deal in Italy is for a tax-free $3,000, and the use of a car and a house. Italian League teams practice three times a week, and DeShazo also hopes to do a lot of sightseeing.
``They came to me a year ago,'' DeShazo said of the Italian League. ``I have no idea how they learned about me, but I'll go over there and have fun. I'd like to make it work in the CFL. I've even thought about telling them I'd be willing to play wide receiver or defensive back, if that will help. I just want to play, while I still can.''
LENGTH: Short : 39 lines KEYWORDS: FOOTBALLby CNB