Bill Romanowski, the fearsome former NFL linebacker, owes more than $15 million in back taxes, according to a lawsuit filed by the federal government in a California federal court.
Romanowski and his wife, Julie, are both named in the filing, which has been obtained by DailyMail.com. Despite being ordered by a pair of courts to pay prior tax deficiencies dating back to 1998, the couple has neglected to do so, according to the lawsuit.
In total unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest, which accrued from 1998 until 2007, the couple owes a total of $15.3 million.
‘Despite timely notice and demand for payment, the Romanowskis have neglected, refused or failed to pay the assessments against them,’ read the complaint.
Romanowski is also accused of using funds from his nutrition brand, N53, to pay expenses such as rent, spa appointments, plastic surgery, chiropractic work, and groceries while the company faces tax penalties.
Romanowski arrives with his wife Julie for the funeral for Broncos owners Pat Bowlen in 2019
Bill and Julie Romanowski allegedly owe $15.3 million in back taxes and penalties
In total unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest, the couple owes a total of $15.3 million
The nutrition brand is also named as a defendant in the suit because the US ‘seeks to foreclose its tax liens against N53’s assets on the grounds that N53 is the Romanowskis’ alter ego.’
The filing attempts to prove to that Romanowskis and N53 are effectively the same entity, and that the brand was only used to ‘thwart the IRS’s collection of the individual income tax assessments at issue in this case.’
A two-time Pro Bowl selection, won two Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers and another pair with the Denver Broncos before retiring as a member of the Oakland Raiders in 2003.
His career was defined by several on-field incidents with both teammates and opponents.
Romanowski leaves court in 1998 being ordered to pay an ex-teammate $340,000 for assault
A two-time Pro Bowl selection, won two Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers and another pair with the Denver Broncos before retiring as a member of the Oakland Raiders in 2003
He once kicked Arizona Cardinals fullback Larry Centers in the head in 1995, resulting in an ejection and fine, and in 1997, he spat in the face of 49ers receiver J. J. Stokes after previously breaking Panthers quarterback Kerry Collins’ jaw on a helmet-to-helmet hit in a preseason game.
In 2003, Romanowski punched Raiders teammate Marcus Williams, who was forced to retire due to a crushed eye socket.
Williams sued Romanowski, accusing the linebacker of ‘roid rage’ around the time he and Julie were being investigated for their connection to the BALCO steroid scandal.
Charges against the couple were dropped, but he ultimately admitted to using steroids and human growth hormone that he received from BALCO.
