Second Thoughts

Freeney says he was sacked for $20 million

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney leaves the field following an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. The Browns won 27-19. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney leaves the field following an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. The Browns won 27-19. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

One of the NFL's highest-paid defensive players announced a lawsuit Tuesday alleging Bank of America "aided and abetted" a fraud scheme that cost him $20 million.

Attorneys for Dwight Freeney, a defensive end and linebacker who played for the San Diego Chargers the past two seasons, met with reporters in downtown Los Angeles to announce filing the complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court.

The complaint also names Michael Bock, a senior vice president of the bank's Global Wealth & Investment Management unit, as a defendant.

According to the lawsuit, Freeney authorized Bank of America in 2010 to manage his assets, including his salary. Attorneys said Bank of America did not disclose to Freeney that Eva Weinberg -- who was assigned by the bank to manage Freeney's business affairs -- was only a part-time employee of the bank and was not licensed to give Freeney investment advice.

The complaint also alleges the bank, Bock and Weinberg also lied to Freeney about the true identity of Michael Stern, who was brought onto Freeney's financial team at the bank.

According to attorneys, Stern was introduced to Freeney as "Michael Millar", a successful Miami Beach businessman, but who was allegedly linked to failed real estate ventures and allegations of bribing Miami city officials.

Once Weinberg and Stern gained control of Freeney's finances, the complaint states they "promptly went about stealing at least $8.5 million."

"Bank of America's deceitfulness is at the heart of our lawsuit," attorney Jeffrey Isaacs said. "Bank of America kept Dwight completely in the dark about the qualifications and the backgrounds of the people managing his money."

A statement from Bank of America spokesman Bill Halldin denied the bank played any role in the alleged scheme.

"The two people responsible for this wrongdoing have already been convicted," Halldin said. "The primary wrongdoer never worked for the bank of any of its affiliates and the other person committed her criminal conduct after she left Merrill Lynch in 2010."

Just joking

Fans of the Buffalo Bills and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League fell victim to a good April Fool's joke Wednesday.

The fun started when the Argonauts sent a tweet announcing an exhibition game against the Bills on May 29 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo. The tweet contained a link to a press release on the team's website giving more information about the game.

The Bills' official Twitter feed resent the tweet with the added message, "Looking forward to it!" At that point, fans started asking about ticket availability and prices.

The Argonauts added to the confusion when they tweeted that Canadian viewers would be able to watch the game on TSN.

After four hours, the Argonauts finally let everyone in on the joke by sending a tweet saying, "Thanks to those who played along! Especially @buffalobills. Wonder who @DougFlutie would've cheered for? #AprilFools"

Sports quiz

How many Super Bowl rings does Dwight Freeney have?

Answer

One, when he played for the Indianapolis Colts in 2007.

Sports on 04/03/2015

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