Bill Romanowski has to be one of the notorious ‘bad boys’ in the annals of NFL history. The former linebacker played most of his career for the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos. In a dominant career that lasted 16 years, he bagged four Super Bowls and earned two Pro Bowl honors. Romanowski was picked by the 49ers in the 1988 NFL Draft and reportedly made $30 million during his tenure.

The former athlete’s career was blotched by numerous controversies including altercations with his teammates and opponents, leading to legal suits and penalties.  Adding to his troubled history, the veteran is currently involved in another legal dispute with his wife.

Romanowski and wife in hot water

The former linebacker and wife Julie Romanowski has been accused of owing more than $15 million in back taxes and penalties by the FBI.

“Despite timely notice and demand for payment, the Romanowskis have neglected, refused or failed to fully pay the assessments against them,” stated the prosecutors from the U.S. Department of Justice’s tax division in an 18-page complaint, filed on Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

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The lawsuit alleges that the couple failed to pay tax deficiencies dating back to the year 1998, despite being instructed to compensate by two tax courts. As a result, the unpaid taxes, statutory penalties, and accumulated interest over eight years from 1998 to 2007 amounted to a debt of $15.33 million.

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The US government also alleges that the couple has been diverting funds from their nutrition company ‘Nutrician 53’ to cover their expenses and also those of their adult children. Romanowski has not responded to the allegations yet. But he is no stranger to legal suits.

Controversial Presence On and Off the Field

Romanowski has a history marked by controversies both on and off the field. One of the most notorious incidents was the 2005 attack on the Oaklands Tight end Marcus Williams during a scrimmage. During the match, in a fit of rage, Romanowski punched Williams in the face leaving him unconscious and his left eye socket shattered, and a tooth chipped. The incident invited criticism of the former linebacker’s on-field conduct and he was charged $340,000 for Williams’ lost wages and medical expenses by a jury.

His legal troubles extended beyond that year. He has been charged with the possession of controlled substances by Douglas County Authorities in 2000. He was accused of owing $5 million in back taxes from a horse-breeding scheme in 2003.

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