Proof with Jill Stanley

Former NFL Players Accused of Defrauding the League

Several retired NFL greats have been indicted by a grand jury for conspiracy, wire fraud and health care fraud related to stealing money from the NFL’s healthcare plan. Pretty serious stuff as they face penalties of up to 20 years in prison. As former Redskins fans, one name jumped out at us immediately: Clinton Portis, a retired Redskin running back. We know our readers are familiar with many of the others accused which include Robert McCune (Ravens), Carlos Rogers (Raiders), and Correll Buckhalter (Eagles). See full list below.

So, what’d they allegedly do?

According to the Department of Justice, the former players submitted fake claims to the health insurer for medical equipment. The players would submit claims having never purchased anything or with the intent to purchase anything and then they’d simply pocket the cash. The claims weren’t for ace bandages and crutches either but rather for expensive medical devices with claims averaging $40,000-$50,000. The claims included such things as hyperbaric oxygen chambers, ultrasound machines (designed for use in a doctor’s office and to be used on female patients) and electromagnetic therapy devices not meant for humans (that’s not so smart).

How much money we talking?

According to prosecutors, the scheme lasted from June 2017 to December 2018 during which more than $3.9 million in false and fraudulent claims were submitted. The plan paid out more than $3.4 million. Quite the benefit rich plan! We’re barely able to get 20% of our valid claims reimbursed.

How’d they get caught?

Often with conspiracy it’s the very nature of the crime–the fact that more than one person is involved–that tips law enforcement off: people talk. As a Proof grandmother once said, “between you and your pillow there are no secrets.” Think about that. But here, it wasn’t loose lips but rather Cigna, the health insurer, who called it to the attention of law enforcement. Apparently the claims raised some red flags for them and they referred it to investigators. (Thinking that horse electromagnetic machine might have been the first clue…)

More Names to Come

Though currently ten players have been charged, the Department of Justice has announced that others will be charged as well. To date here is who we know about, in addition to the four names noted above: John Eubanks (Redskins); Joe Horn (Saints), Reche Caldwell (Chargers/Patriots), Tamarick Vanover, (Kansas City Chiefs), Ceandris “C.C.” Brown (Texans), James Butler (Giants/Rams), Etric Pruitt (Falcons/Seahawks), and Fredrick Bennett (Texans).

Channing and Jenna Divorced but Custody Issues Remain

Celeb News, Celebrity Divorce, Channing Tatum

Ok, we admit it, we were upset when Channing and Jenna announced they were ending their marriage back in April 2018, but we got over it, as did Channing and Jenna, clearly. Jenna is expecting a baby with boyfriend Stephen Kazee (she posts really cute IG stories about their relationship) and Channing has been dating singer Jessie J for quite some time. So, while life has moved on and their divorce has been granted, custody issues over their six year old daughter appear to be plaguing the former couple. They share joint custody but Channing has asked the court to intervene and issue an order detailing more precisely custody and visitation rights.

Issues that he seems to want a judicial stamp of approval on include, travel with Everly, holiday scheduling, taking her out of school, and facetime communication. In the court documents Channing stated that “over the past six months, it has become evident to me that a clear and specific holiday schedule is necessary and important.” This pretty plain statement leads us here at Proof to deduce that there have been some snafus in these arenas.

But before any of us get too worked up, perhaps we should look deeper into Channing’s other comments in the documents–most of which place the need for a court order on the unpredictable nature of both parents careers. In February 2019, the couple agreed to a schedule but due to their constantly changing work life, Channing believes flexibility would help ensure that both parents can work and have equal time with Everly. He also asked the court grant his request for appointment of a co-parenting counselor in order to help with scheduling conflicts. Although it has been reported that Jenna wants these very same things to us, all of this smacks of two people who actually can not agree and require the input of two third parties–the court and a counselor.

Channing added one more request to the court in his most recent filing: he asks that Everly’s name, image or likeness not be used for any sponsorship or ad campaign, even on social media, without the consent of both parents. Makes sense but interesting that these two really need the court to weigh in on this…

Whatever is in the best interest of the child is what we at Proof say (and that’s the law, by the way). So if a court order will reduce whatever conflict is going on here then we say “go for it, Channing.” You and Jenna can then continue moving on and doing what’s best for Everly.

Tentative Settlement in Weinstein Civil Suits

Celeb News, Celebrity Lawsuits, Harvey Weinstein

Scores of civil suits have been filed against Harvey Weinstein and his bankrupt film company. While not all of the suits are rooted in sexual misconduct claims, those that are may be coming to an end. Allegedly his insurance company has made a $25 million settlement offer to the victims.

This money will not be coming from Weinstein’s pockets but rather from an insurance policy, not unlike when an insurance company pays a car accident or other negligence claim. The insurance company also likely footed the bill for the lawyers and other litigation costs too. But don’t get too upset, this isn’t because of any special treatment for the rich and famous, it’s just how these types of claims and these types of insurance policies work. What you can get upset over is that as part of the settlement, Weinstein will not have to admit any wrongdoing nor apologize to the victims. It’s understandable why he doesn’t want to admit guilt (it’s primarily because of the upcoming criminal trial) but an apology could have been worked in and not damaged the rape case. Though, really what would be the point? Is Harvey Weinstein truly sorry for any of the pain he caused his victims? That’s a rhetorical question.

Another complexity is that the money is going to have to be shared by all the accusers. Divvying any global settlement is never an easy task. Ultimately, even if all relevant parties agree, the settlement will require court approval.

Bottom line: $25 million may sound like a lot but given the number of claimants, the degree to which they suffered, it’s not going to even come close to fairly and sufficiently compensating them for the wrongs Harvey Weinstein and his company committed.