Under intense pressure from the federal government, former NFL star Bill Romanowski and his wife, Julie, have taken a drastic step to address their financial woes.
The couple filed for bankruptcy on Monday, strategically timing it a day before a scheduled hearing in a case brought against them by the Department of Justice in June.
The DOJ alleges that they owe a staggering $15.5 million in back taxes, according to USA Today.
Accusations against the Romanowskis include failure to pay millions in taxes dating back to before Bill’s retirement from the NFL in 2003.
Furthermore, they are accused of utilizing funds from their nutrition company, Nutrition53, to cover personal expenses for their family, according to the report.
According to court records cited in the report, the Romanowskis purportedly diverted funds from Nutrition53 accounts to cover various personal expenses, including rent, groceries, veterinarian bills, and an extensive list of visits to nail salons, hair salons, and day spas, totaling over 170 occasions.
In August, Nutrition53 itself filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The filing for bankruptcy initiates an automatic halt to the Department of Justice’s pursuit of the alleged debt owed by the Romanowskis.
Romanowski, a 58-year-old native of Connecticut, has been embroiled in several controversies throughout his career.
In a notable incident in 2003, the four-time Super Bowl champion ended the career of his Raiders teammate Marcus Williams during practice by striking him and breaking his eye socket.
Following Williams’ lawsuit, Romanowski reached a settlement with him, ultimately paying $415,000 in damages.
In 2005, Romanowski admitted to using steroids and human growth hormone (HGH) towards the end of his career.
He acknowledged receiving these substances from Victor Conte, the founder of BALCO.
Selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 1988 NFL Draft, Romanowski enjoyed early success, winning Super Bowls in his first two seasons with the team.
Following six seasons with the 49ers, Romanowski went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles for two years.
He then joined the Denver Broncos, where he spent six seasons and earned two additional championship titles.
Romanowski concluded his NFL career with a two-season stint with the Oakland Raiders.
