Every school has those black sheep. Virginia Tech’s latest is Marcus Vick. If VT is lucky, the events will be forgotten and obscured 40 years later.

For Pitt, it is not so simple. Not when the former QB and letterman (1960-62) sits in a federal prison selling bad paintings.

Former U.S. Rep. James Traficant is known to most people for his toupee, bombast and penchant for accepting bribes.

Now, for less than $200, you can purchase a softer side of the maverick Youngstown-area Democrat – the one who spends his time in federal prison painting scenes of pastoral tranquility and equine majesty.

Traficant was forced out of Congress after he was convicted of racketeering and bribery in 2002 and sentenced to eight years in prison.
…
Local painter and art critic Doug Utter found the paintings lacking: “There’s no overwhelming talent or expertise in evidence.”

And Utter noted that Traficant, who was easily recognizable by his oversize wig, draws the horses with flowing hair.

“His emphasis on manes and tails is almost fetishistic,” Utter said.

Now that’s just mean. This is lacking in talent?

You can find this example and others for sale here.

According to the site:

Most of the proceeds from the sales will be donated to Mr. James Traficant, so that he can be provided proper and sufficient materials to continue with his art and painting, while he is still imprisoned.

Uh, okay. Anyone with access to the athletic department and registrar’s office think we can delete all records of his existence from Pitt?