One of the most controversial players in NFL history finds himself in some serious legal trouble.
Per Mike Klis of 9News, former Denver Broncos’ star linebacker Bill Romanowski and his wife, Julie, the United States Department of Justice alleges that the couple owe $15.3 million in back taxes:
“The 18-page complaint filed Tuesday by acting Assistant Attorney General David Hubbert in Oakland’s U.S. District Court of Northern California said that since the Secretary of Treasury issued tax assessments of $15.33 million against the Romanowskis in November 2013, they have been using funds from N53 to pay $10,000 a month rent on their home, plus rent for their adult children, along with nail salon, hair, plastic surgery, day spa and chiropractic appointments, plus pet food and groceries…
Prosecutors request the court to rule in favor of the United States in the amount of $15,330,277.83 plus interest; that N53 be determined as the “alter ego” of the Romanowskis; and that the United States has valid right to place federal tax liens against all property and rights to property of the Romanowskis.”
9News reached out to Romanowski, but they were told via text message that he wasn’t available for comment at that time.
A star at Boston College, Romanowski was drafted in the third round (80th overall) by the San Francisco 49ers in 1988. Romanowski won back-to-back Super Bowl championships with the club in the 1988 and ’89 seasons.
After two years with the Philadelphia Eagles, Romanowski joined the Denver Broncos. He proved to be one of the final pieces needed for John Elway and company to get over the hump, as Romanowski helped the Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowls in the 1997 and ’98 campaigns.
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The two-time Pro Bowler’s strong play, however, was largely marred by several dirty instances. He dished out a vicious head hit to then-Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Kerry Collins in a 1997 preseason game, which caused the latter to suffer a broken jaw.
During a 2002 practice with the Oakland Raiders, Romanowski viciously punched teammate Marcus Williams in the face. Williams suffered a fractured left eye socket which forced him into retirement, and he went on to win a lawsuit against Romanowski in court.