Current:Home > InvestBill Romanowski, wife file for bankruptcy amid DOJ lawsuit over unpaid taxes -Infinite Edge Learning
Bill Romanowski, wife file for bankruptcy amid DOJ lawsuit over unpaid taxes
View
Date:2025-04-12 10:19:53
Former NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski and his wife Julie filed for bankruptcy Monday amid allegations that they owe the U.S. government millions in unpaid taxes, according to court records.
The bankruptcy filing came at a pivotal moment for the Romanowskis − less than 24 hours before a scheduled hearing Tuesday in the civil case that Department of Justice lawyers brought against the couple last summer. U.S. attorneys allege that the Romanowskis used a nutrition company they founded to skirt tax obligations and now owe more than $15.5 million in back taxes.
Under federal law, filing for bankruptcy will give the Romanowskis a temporary reprieve, triggering an automatic pause in the Department of Justice's efforts to collect on the alleged money owed.
The couple's attorney did not immediately reply to an e-mail seeking comment.
Romanowski, 58, spent parts of 16 seasons in the NFL with the Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers and two other teams, developing a reputation as a fiery and polarizing linebacker. He won four Super Bowl rings and recorded more than 1,000 career tackles, but he was also frequently embroiled in controversy and later admitted that he used steroids during his playing career.
NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.
Department of Justice lawyers allege that in the years before and after his retirement, which came after the 2003 season, Romanowski and his wife failed to pay millions in income tax. In attempts to avoid reporting federal income and repaying those taxes, the couple then used money from Nutrition53, the nutritional supplement company they founded, to pay for personal expenses and those of their two children, government lawyers say.
According to court records, Bill and Julie Romanowski opened up bank accounts on behalf of Nutrition53 but then used money in those accounts to pay for everything from the rent for their 6,000-square-foot home in California to groceries, veterenarian expenses and "over 170 visits to nail salons, hair salons and day spas."
Nutrition53, which was also named as a defendant in the federal lawsuit, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last fall. Department of Justice lawyers have since filed a motion for default judgment against the Romanowskis, asking a judge to immediately rule in the government's favor. A hearing on that motion was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
Contact Tom Schad at [email protected] or on social media @Tom_Schad.
veryGood! (2577)
Related
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- Bengals to use franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins
- Kansas man pleads guilty to causing crash that killed officer, pedestrian and K-9 last February
- Bill headed to South Dakota governor would allow museum’s taxidermy animals to find new homes
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- 2 National Guard members killed in Mississippi helicopter crash during training flight
- Trump’s lawyers seek to suspend $83M defamation verdict, citing ‘strong probability’ it won’t stand
- Here are 5 things to know about Lionel Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend documentary
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- 1 dead, 3 injured following a fire at a Massachusetts house
Ranking
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Former Cowboys receiver Golden Richards, known for famous Super Bowl catch, dies at 73
- Jimmy Butler ejected after Miami Heat, New Orleans Pelicans brawl; three others tossed
- RHOA's Porsha Williams and Simon Guobadia Break Up After 15 Months of Marriage
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Trying to eat more protein to help build strength? Share your diet tips and recipes
- Biden tells governors he’s eyeing executive action on immigration, seems ‘frustrated’ with lawyers
- Jury finds Wayne LaPierre, NRA liable in corruption civil case
Recommendation
Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
Trump says his criminal indictments boosted his appeal to Black voters
Some Arizona customers to see monthly fees increase for rooftop solar, advocates criticize rate hike
Suni Lee, Olympic gymnastics champion, competing at Winter Cup. Here's how to watch.
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star Porsha Williams files for divorce from Simon Guobadia
Celebrity owl Flaco dies a year after becoming beloved by New York City for zoo escape
Barry Keoghan Praises Sabrina Carpenter After She Performs Duet With Taylor Swift