Ex-NFL Star Clinton Portis Pleads Guilty In Healthcare Fraud Scheme

Former Washington Football Team star Clinton Portis and two other ex-NFL players have pleaded guilty to a health care fraud scheme.

According to FBI Special Agent in Charge George Piro of the Miami Field Office, “These fraudsters pocketed money from the Gene Upshaw National Football League Health Reimbursement Account Plan that was intended for former NFL players who are ill or infirm.”

The purpose of the healthcare plan is to provide tax-free reimbursements to out-of-pocket health expenses that aren’t covered by insurance for up to $350,000 per player. Portis and other players, like Tamarick Vanover and the scheme’s ringleader Robert McCune, exploited the service by submitting false claims for medical equipment that was never delivered. These devices include, “hyperbaric oxygen chambers, cryotherapy machines, 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.”

The payouts total over $3 million. Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski said, “Today’s indictments underscore that whoever you are, if you loot health care programs to line your own pockets, you will be held accountable by the Department of Justice.”