Deal or no deal? Former NFL star Fryar, mother facing decision in mortgage fraud case

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. – A former NFL star and his mother are facing a deadline on whether to plead guilty or go to trial in a mortgage fraud case.

Irving Fryar faces a five-year sentence under a plea deal. His mother, Allene McGhee, has been offered a three-year sentence.

They're charged with conspiring to steal money through a mortgage scam run by William Barksdale, who has been sentenced to 20 months in federal prison. They are due in court Aug. 21.

Fryar grew up in Burlington County and starred at the University of Nebraska before being drafted No. 1 in 1984 by the New England Patriots. He also played for the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins.

Fryar's attorney didn't return a message seeking comment. McGhee's attorney says she was victimized by Barksdale.