In 1982, Morris was convicted of cocaine trafficking and was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, with a mandatory 15-year term. In 1986, his conviction was overturned by the Florida Supreme Court because evidence he had offered to prove his entrapment defense had been excluded under a mistaken characterization as hearsay.

Eugene "Mercury" Morris, a three-time Pro Bowl running back and two-time Super Bowl champion, including the Miami Dolphins' undefeated 1972 NFL season, died Saturday night at 77, his family said Sunday morning.