Former NFL star Bill Romanowski and his wife, Julie, filed for bankruptcy to address the $15.5 million in back taxes they allegedly owe. The Department of Justice brought a case against them in June, claiming that the couple failed to pay taxes dating back to before Romanowski’s NFL retirement in 2003. The report suggests that they used money from their company, Nutrition53, to pay for personal expenses for their family, including rent, groceries, and salon visits.
The Romanowskis are accused of using funds from Nutrition53 accounts to cover personal expenses like groceries, rent, and over 170 visits to nail salons, hair salons, and day spas. Nutrition53 itself filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August, and the bankruptcy filing automatically pauses the Department of Justice’s pursuit of the alleged debt. The couple’s financial troubles seem to stem from their misuse of company funds, leading to their current predicament with the federal government.
Bill Romanowski, a 58-year-old Connecticut native, has a history of controversy throughout his career. In 2003, he ended Raiders teammate Marcus Williams’ career after breaking his eye socket during a practice altercation. Romanowski later settled with Williams for $415,000 after facing a lawsuit. Additionally, Romanowski admitted to using steroids and HGH towards the end of his career, receiving them from BALCO founder Victor Conte, further adding to his controversial past.
A former NFL player, Romanowski enjoyed a successful career with four Super Bowl championships under his belt. He won his first two titles with the San Francisco 49ers after being drafted in the third round in 1988. Romanowski then played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos before finishing his career with the Oakland Raiders. Despite his accomplishments on the field, Romanowski’s career has been tainted by various controversies and legal issues.
The Romanowskis’ bankruptcy filing comes amidst mounting legal troubles as they face allegations of tax evasion and misuse of company funds. The Department of Justice alleges that the couple owes $15.5 million in back taxes, leading to the bankruptcy filing as a way to address their financial situation. The bankruptcy filing has temporarily halted the government’s pursuit of their alleged debt as they navigate the complexities of their financial troubles.
Bill Romanowski’s admission of using performance-enhancing drugs, along with his involvement in various controversies throughout his career, has tarnished his legacy in the NFL. Despite his success on the field with four Super Bowl championships, his reputation has been marred by legal issues and scandals. The Romanowskis’ bankruptcy filing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of financial mismanagement and the importance of maintaining proper financial practices, even for former professional athletes like Romanowski.
