Clinton Portis is going to jail!

Clinton Portis is a 40-year-old black man currently living in Fort Mill, SC. He played 9 seasons in the NFL as a running back. His combined salary for those years was $43 million, or approximately $840,000 per game.

Last week he was sentenced to 6 months in jail and 6 months home confinement for filing false insurance claims. The NFL provides medical insurance for ex-players through Cigna. Portis and 14 other ex-NFL players filed phony medical expenses.

Some people might say Portis needs help. Or, that he needs counseling. Hmmm! I think he was a talented athlete but had no sense of personal responsibility or self-control. Here is some history on Portis:

1. Portis grew up in Gainesville, FL and was a star athlete in football and track. He was offered a football scholarship to USC, but that scholarship was withdrawn after Portis got into a fight in high school.
2. Portis played football for U. of Miami and was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 2nd round in 2002. In 2004, Portis was traded to Washington and signed a $50 million eight-year contract. Portis was a star running back but suffered several injuries which impacted his playing time.
3. In 2008 Portis signed a re-structured contract with Washington with $15 million guaranteed and a $9.3 million signing bonus. Injuries continued to plague Portis and in 2010 Portis was released by Washington after both sides failed to reach a new contract. Portis retired from football in 2012.
4. In 2015 Portis filed for bankruptcy. Records indicate he owed $412, 000 for domestic support to four women (he has 4 children), $390,000 to the IRS, and $287,000 to the MGM Grand Casino. Portis was arrested that same year for owing one of those women $150,000 in child support. According to court documents, Portis made bad investments, spent money at casinos and lived a lavish lifestyle.
5. Portis again filed for bankruptcy in 2017. That same year, Portis filed his first bogus insurance claim.
6. Portis was finally arrested in 2019 for insurance fraud. It was reported that he had less than $150 in his checking account.

Clinton Portis seems to be a very reckless man, without the sense to control himself or be aware of the consequences of poor decisions. He made a string of bad decisions, most, probably hurt many others. He’s only 40 years old, he still has time to live a better life. While in jail, I suggest he pursue his college degree and study Finance. I wish him well.