Education
Bethea finished his college career as a three-year starter, with school records in: career sacks (33), career tackles for loss (43) and sacks in a season (16).
Bethea finished his college career as a three-year starter, with school records in: career sacks (33), career tackles for loss (43) and sacks in a season (16).
He later played for the Michigan Panthers, Oakland Invaders and Houston Gamblers of the United States Football League. He played college football at Michigan State University. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound within hours of being identified as a suspect in two armed robberies.
Bethea was a standout for Ferguson High School, playing both ways as an offensive end and defensive education
He was a Parade All-American and a Group American Automobile Association all-state in 1973. He accepted a scholarship to play for Michigan State University, where he began as a tight end until being converted into a defensive tackle during his sophomore season.
His 1977 season was arguably the greatest ever by a Michigan State football player, when he totaled 45 solo tackles, 45 assisted tackles and 16 sacks, becoming such a dominant force that he was the first defensive player to receive Big Ten Conference Most Valuable Player honors since Dick Butkus in 1964. Dallas Cowboys
Looking for an eventual successor to Harvey Martin the Dallas Cowboys drafted him in the first round (28th overall) of the 1978 NFL Draft.
Bethea played defensive end and defensive tackle, but his production started to dwindled as his personal problems and addictions grew bigger.
Although he remained with the Cowboys for six years, he failed to become a starter and live up to his potential. His most notable play was stopping Ram"s running back Cullen Bryant at the Cowboys 11 yard line on 4th and one during the 3rd quarter of the 1978 NFC Championship game. Michigan Panthers (USFL)
In 1984, he signed as a free agent with the Michigan Panthers of the now-defunct United States Football League, receiving a three-year guaranteed contract.
His personal problems continued with the Panthers, as he was suspended in different occasions.
After the Panthers merged with the Oakland Invaders, with the Invaders the lone surviving team, he was traded to the Houston Gamblers in exchange for a draft choice. Houston Gamblers (USFL)
In 1985, he was released by the Houston Gamblers.