Wendell Smallwood Jr., who once played for the Philadelphia Eagles, is facing a lifetime in prison over his past actions.
The former Eagles running back allegedly committed fraud to obtain tens of thousands of dollars from two COVID-19 relief programs and then proceeded to run a kickback scheme with several others to falsify loan applications and tax documents during the pandemic, according to federal prosecutors.
Smallwood was charged with three felonies:
- Wire fraud.
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
- Conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service.
Because of his actions, the former Philadelphia Eagles star is now facing 50 years in prison.’
He is currently 30-years-old, so a lengthy prison sentence of 50 years might ensure he dies behind bars for his actions.
According to court documents obtained by CBS, “Smallwood applied for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) using “defunct or recently registered businesses and claimed false business operations” in applications to the Small Business Administration.”
The documents state Smallwood submitted false information to the Paycheck Protection Program and was involved in a tax fraud conspiracy.
REPORT: #Eagles Super Bowl champ Wendell Smallwood Jr. faces 50 years in prison after being charged with defrauding COVID-19 relief programs.
He was charged with 3 felonies: wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud IRS. pic.twitter.com/83xgLkl1xz
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) November 21, 2024
Prosecutors said the Wilmington, Delaware, native received $46,000 in fraudulent loans that were withdrawn for personal use instead of being invested in his businesses.
No one could’ve foresaw his life would’ve taken him here after he experienced the highest of highs just as a few years ago on the football field.
Former Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Champion Wendell Smallwood Didn’t Have A Notable Career But Made His Impact
Wendell Smallwood had the biggest moment of his career when he won Super Bowl 52 with the Philadelphia Eagles when they defeated the New England Patriots, 41-33.
Those days are long gone, as the former NFL running back has been charged with defrauding federal COVID-19 relief programs.
Smallwood also played with Washington and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He ended his career with 238 carries, 956 rushing yards, and five touchdowns.
