Clinton Portis, Joe Horn Among 12 Former NFL Players Facing Federal Health Care Fraud Charges

Just ahead of the start of Week 15, the NFL world has been struck with the kind of news that absolutely no one wants to read. The US Department of Justice announced Thursday morning that 10 former NFL players have been charged as part of a health care fraud scandal, including All-Pro running back Clinton Portis. Two others, including Pro Bowl wide receiver Joe Horn, are expected to be charged at a later date.

According to a statement from Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski, "10 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. 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.”

Ouch.

The 10 former NFL players currently facing federal charges related to fraud and/or conspiracy to commit fraud are Portis, Robert McCune, John Eubanks, Carlos Rogers, Tamarick Vanover, Ceandris Brown, James Butler, Fredrick Bennett, Correll Buckhalter, and Etric Pruitt.

The government has filed a notice of intent to issue criminal charges against Joe Horn and Reche Caldwell. As of this writing, they have not been charged with any crime.

Portis, who made Pro Bowls as a member of the Broncos and Redskins, was 2002's AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and a Second-Team All-Pro in 2008. He retired before the 2011 season, and went on to join a lawsuit against the NFL over support related to head injuries and CTE.