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FRANK PASTORThe Storm coach refutes charges of defrauding an insurance company in 2003.
TAMPA - Six days after his arrest on charges of defrauding an insurance company, Storm coach Tim Marcum responded publicly for the first time.
In a statement released Monday by the team, the Arena Football League's winningest coach said he is innocent and apologized to fans, players and the league "for the negative impact that these false allegations have had."
"Over the holiday weekend, I was charged with insurance fraud that concerned a claim filed with Progressive Insurance in August 2003," Marcum said in the statement. "I believe that when all of the facts of this case are considered, I will be exonerated of this charge.
"I believe in the judicial system and look forward to having my side of the story told. I apologize to our great fans, our team and the Arena Football League."
Marcum, 60, of Apollo Beach is accused of filing a false $10,000 claim on his 18-foot fishing boat. A capias, similar to a warrant, was issued for his arrest on Nov. 22. He turned himself in at the Pinellas County Jail the next afternoon and was released later that day after posting $10,000 bail.
Marcum, who has won seven ArenaBowls, including three with the Storm, faces up to five years in prison if convicted.
Marcum, who lived in Tierra Verde at the time, told the insurance company his boat was damaged and submerged after he returned from vacation to find it had fallen off its lift, Pinellas-Pasco prosecutor Doug Ellis said.
The insurance company began investigating after it received information the claim was false, Ellis said.
Marcum's attorney, Ron Kurpiers, said Friday that the allegation stemmed from calls Marcum's ex-wife, Amy, and her husband, Thom Hopper, made to investigators when Tim and Amy Marcum were going through a divorce. Hopper, who tried unsuccessfully to purchase the Storm in 2002, denied Kurpiers' claim.
Marcum continues to act as coach and general manager of the Storm, which opens camp in January.