Clinton Portis is one of 10 former NFL players facing charges of defrauding a health care program intended for retired players.
Adam Kilgore and Rick Maese of the Washington Post reported on Thursday that the Department of Justice charged the former Denver Broncos and Washington running back as well as nine other former players with defrauding the program of almost $4 million.
The DOJ also plans to charge Joe Horn and Reche Caldwell with conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
The indictment alleges that the players submitted bogus claims to the Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan, seeking reimbursement for medical equipment such as “hyperbaric oxygen chambers, ultrasound machines designed for use by a doctor’s office to conduct women’s health examinations, and electromagnetic therapy devices designed for use on horses.”
Those 10 players reportedly lied on documents and received “kickbacks” and bribes up to $10,000 to submit false claims on behalf of other players.
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In addition to Portis, the defendants include:
Robert McCune, a former linebacker with the Redskins
John Eubanks, a former cornerback with the Redskins
Tamarick Vanover, a former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver
Ceandris “C.C.” Brown, a former Houston Texans safety
James Butler, a former New York Giants and St. Louis Rams safety
Fredrick Bennett, a former Houston Texans defensive back
Etric Pruitt, a former defensive back for the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks
Carlos Rogers, a former Redskins and San Francisco 49ers cornerback
and Correll Buckhalter, a former Philadelphia Eagles running back
Portis, who is the most notable name on the list, played nine seasons in the NFL and was a two-time Pro Bowler and ran for more than 1,000 yards in six of his nine seasons.
