Former NFL running back Clinton Portis has been sentenced to six months in prison, with an additional six months of home confinement, after pleading guilty to defrauding a health care program for retired players.
Portis, who played nine seasons in the league for the Broncos and Washington Football Team, pleaded guilty in September for defrauding the program of nearly $100,000, filing false claims for medical equipment.
Fifteen players have now pleaded guilty to participating in the $3.4 million scheme, including former Saints receiver Joe Horn – who was sentenced to three years probation – and former Eagles running back Correll Buckhalter, who received 10 months in prison.
The next player to be sentenced will be ex-Chiefs receiver Tamarick Vanover, set to occur on Jan. 22, per ESPN.
Portis agreed to pay back the full amount of $99,264 as part of his guilty plea. He had faced up to 10 years in prison.
The University of Miami product was drafted by the Broncos in 2002, and rushed for over 3,000 yards in his first two seasons in the NFL. After the 2003 season, he was traded to Washington, where he had a successful stretch that included a Second Team All-Pro selection in 2008.