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CBSsports.com: Former NFL star Clinton Portis receives six-month prison sentence for fraud scheme

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TK

TK

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https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/former-nfl-star-clinton-portis-receives-six-month-prison-sentence-for-fraud-scheme/

 

Former NFL star Clinton Portis receives six-month prison sentence for fraud scheme

Portis was hoping to avoid jail time 

 
 
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After pleading guilty to his role in a nationwide scheme to defraud the NFL's healthcare benefit program for league veterans, former All-Pro running back Clinton Portis was sentenced to six months in prison on Thursday. 

Federal prosecutors had previously recommended a high-end sentencing -- between 10 and 16 months of prison time -- as well as a fine for Portis' involvement in the fraud case. That's according to U.S. District Court filings obtained by CBS Sports.

 

Portis, 40, best known as a repeat Pro Bowler for the Washington Football Team from 2004-2010, wrongfully obtained nearly $100,000 as part of a crime ring that sought more than $2.8 million through false reimbursement claims. Former NFL linebacker Robert McCune allegedly orchestrated the scheme, which targeted a reimbursement account established to help retired players cover medical expenses, but Portis admitted in August that he made two separate false and fraudulent claims as part of the operation.

 

Portis' counsel filed a sentencing memorandum Dec. 30 to request a sentence of "time served" in lieu of incarceration, meaning he would face zero jail time after Thursday's sentencing. Other defendants, including fellow NFL alumni Antwan Odom, Carlos Rogers and Joe Horn, avoided incarceration despite similar conduct in the scheme, Portis' filing states. The retired Washington star also notes that he now has multiple minor children, including infant twins born in August, who depend on him.

 
Portis, who previously filed for bankruptcy in 2015, has also lost most of his business opportunities since his initial indictment in December 2019, his filing argues, noting that he lost a broadcasting job with Washington Football Team -- as well as future sports-betting opportunities with Fox and Bleacher Report -- due to his legal situation. His filing includes nearly 60 letters from peers advocating for his character, including former NFL veterans Edgerrin James, London Fletcher and Takeo Spikes; as well as Washington Football Team owners Daniel and Tanya Snyder.

 

"(We) were shocked when Clinton was indicted," the Snyders wrote, "(not) because Clinton got wrapped up in something where others did not have his best interest in mind, but because Clinton is the opposite of a criminal. We support Clinton fully. He has told us how deeply he regrets getting involved in what he should have known was not legitimate. And he has suffered deeply for it."

 

In their own Dec. 30 court filing, federal attorneys argue a "sentence at the high end of the (10-16 months) range is appropriate." Portis was approached by FBI agents about his alleged involvement in the fraud scheme in 2019 but did not make any statements, the filing says, and he initially testified and denied any wrongdoing in August 2021, only admitting willful involvement ahead of a retrial the following week. 

 

"Finally," federal prosecutors argue, "only with sentencing looming has Portis repaid the (NFL's reimbursement plan). The United States understands that, on Dec. 20, 2021, Portis wired the Plan the $99,264 to repay the Plan for (his) false and fraudulent claims. ... Health care fraud like that committed by Portis contributes greatly to the inflated cost of health care in this country. It is incumbent upon the Court to send a strong, clear message to the public that such a violation of the trust health care plans in those they seek to help cannot and will not be tolerated."

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Redd

Redd

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I feel bad for how far Portis has fallen but a part of me is amazed how he could blow through all his millions in such a small timeframe.  
 

I know he is a grown man but Some family member or best friend should’ve been looking out for Clinton. Let him know to put away 10 million dollars away for his golden years and live off the interest. Maybe buy some restaurants in his later years in Miami for some steady income.

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Cooleyfan1993

Cooleyfan1993

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15 minutes ago, spjunkies said:

 

Is that the dude who did back flips into a pool that everyone hyped up?

Ahh i think I know who you’re talking about, but can’t remember his name. He was injured right? Missed a couple of seasons to start his NFL career and never got his career going at all?

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Riggo'sRangers

Riggo'sRangers

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8 minutes ago, CRobi21 said:

 

I remember the pool guy, but don't think it was McCune. McCune was too damn big to move on a football field, let alone a pool.

It was  Keith Eloi.  He actually jumped out of a pool backwards, which is ridiculous.  Great athlete, but not a good FB player. 

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Mooka

Mooka

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ESPN: Portis gets 6 months in prison for fraud scheme

 

Quote

Fifteen former players have pleaded guilty to charges.

 

Tamarick Vanover, who played for the Chiefs and Chargers, is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 22.

 

Former linebacker Robert McCune, considered by the Department of Justice to be the orchestrator of the ring, pleaded guilty to 13 counts of health care fraud, 11 counts of wire fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft. He faces a lengthy jail sentence.

 

The other former players who have pleaded guilty are: Joe Horn, Carlos Rogers, Correll Buckhalter, James Butler, Ceandris Brown, John Eubanks, Antwan Odom, Etric Pruitt, Darrell Reid, Anthony Montgomery, Frederick Bennett and Reche Caldwell, who was killed in 2020.

 

Buckhalter received a 10-month prison sentence in October. Others, including Bennett, Rogers, Odom, Montgomery and Reid, have been sentenced to house arrest ranging from six to 10 months, according to court documents.

 

Horn, a former New Orleans receiver, was sentenced in November to three years of probation and at least 200 hours of community service for his role. He obtained $149,775, but has repaid the money.

 

 

Portis should'e plead guilty and paid the money back, maybe would've avoided jail time. Joe Horn took more money then Portis but got probation/community service. 

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Commander PK

Commander PK

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13 hours ago, Redd said:

I feel bad for how far Portis has fallen but a part of me is amazed how he could blow through all his millions in such a small timeframe.  
 

I know he is a grown man but Some family member or best friend should’ve been looking out for Clinton. Let him know to put away 10 million dollars away for his golden years and live off the interest. Maybe buy some restaurants in his later years in Miami for some steady income.

The bad thing is when Coach Gibbs was here he was also coaching his players in financial responsibility.  What do you do when you hand a bunch of people that kind of cash when they have never had it before? If you don’t know any better or only live in the moment you with blow through it quick.

 

I’m the type where if I had that kind of money you would never know.  I’m a man of simple tastes.  I would have a few toys and a nice house, but nothing that doesn’t look like I did anything other than invest my savings wisely.  Live largely on the interest and take care of my people.     

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spjunkies

spjunkies

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3 minutes ago, Redd said:

Well that is surprising. 

 

Here it is

 

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/former-nfl-star-clinton-portis-receives-six-month-prison-sentence-for-fraud-scheme/

 

Quote

"Finally," federal prosecutors argue, "only with sentencing looming has Portis repaid the (NFL's reimbursement plan). The United States understands that, on Dec. 20, 2021, Portis wired the Plan the $99,264 to repay the Plan for (his) false and fraudulent claims.

 

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