6 ex-NFL stars, including 2-time Pro Bowler Clinton Portis, charged in extensive league benefits fraud case
Six former NFL players have been charged in a superseding indictment for their alleged roles in a nationwide fraud on a healthcare benefits program for retired league players, according to a Department of Justice statement.
Among the half-dozen athletes named were two-time Pro Bowl running back Clinton Portis, who ranks No. 25 all-time in rushing touchdowns.
The other five ex gridiron greats include Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tamarick Vanover, Tennessee Titans defensive end Antwan Odom, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darrell Reid, Washington defensive tackle Anthony Montgomery and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Robert McCune.
Each of the six was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and wire fraud.
Portis, Odom, Reid and Montgomery were also charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of healthcare fraud, according to the statement.
McCune was also charged with 10 counts of wire fraud, a dozen counts of healthcare fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft.
Portis, McCune and 10 other former NFL players were previously charged in December 2019 for their alleged roles in the fraud, which targeted the Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan, which was established for accrued out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by the players’ insurance policies.
Since the announcement of those initial charges eight months ago, seven of the defendants have entered guilty pleas, according to the Department of Justice.
One of the men, former San Diego Chargers receiver Reche Caldwell, has died. The six-year pro was fatally shot June 6 in Tampa. At the time, cops believed the 41-year-old victim had been targeted by his assailant.
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