Twelve former NFL players are accused of fraud for allegedly filing bogus claims to the league's retiree health care plan.
Among the men charged is Tamarick Vanover, a wide receiver and kick returner with the Kansas City Chiefs from 1995 to 1999, and Joe Horn, a wide receiver with the Chiefs from 1996 to 1999. Horn's most productive years were with the New Orleans Saints, and he also played a season for the Atlanta Falcons.
Under the alleged scheme, more than $3.9 million in false and fraudulent claims were filed. The healthcare plan paid out more than $3.4 million, according to prosecutors. The fraudulent claims were allegedly filed in 2017 and 2018.
"Ten former NFL players allegedly committed a brazen, multi-million dollar fraud on a health care plan meant to help their former teammates and other retired players pay legitimate, out-of-pocket medical expenses," said Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski.
Two other people were indicted later.
