Former NFL players, including Clinton Portis, plead guilty in fraud scheme

Former NFL running back Clinton Portis is one of three past players to plead guilty for their role in a health care defrauding scheme, the U.S. Justice Department said, via ESPN. Former wide receiver Tamarick Vanover and former linebacker Robert McCune, who were part of the same trial, also submitted guilty pleas.

According to the court report, Portis submitted false and fraudulent claims to the Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan, which helps retired NFL players cover medical expenses. Portis submitted claims "on his behalf over a two-month period, obtaining $99,264 in benefits for medical equipment that was not actually provided," ESPN said. 

Portis is one of 10 retired NFLers charged in December 2019 with allegedly defrauding the program for upwards of $2.9 million. There have reportedly been 15 former players in all who have been charged in connection to the scheme.

Vanover also plead guilty to submitting fraudulent claims, having obtained $159,510 in benefits for medical equipment that was never provided.

Both Portis and Vanover can face up to 10 years in federal prison for their part in the scheme. They have both reportedly agreed to pay full restitution to the Gene Upshaw plan.

McCune was charged with allegedly coordinating the entire scheme and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 19. He is facing "a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, 10 years for each count of health care fraud, 20 years for each count of wire fraud, and two years for each count of aggravated identity theft," ESPN said.