Bill Romanowski, 4-time Super Bowl champion LB, sued by U.S. for $15 million in back taxes, penalties
Former NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski, who won a combined four Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos, owes more than $15 million in back taxes and penalties, the United States alleged in district court in California this week.
In its 18-page complaint, the Department of Justice said Romanowski and his wife, Julie Romanowski, have not paid prior tax deficiencies dating back to the 1998 tax year, which they were originally ordered by two tax courts to pay in 2013.
The unpaid taxes, statutory penalties and interest owed over eight years from 1998 to 2007 now total $15.33 million, the lawsuit brought by the U.S. alleges.
“Despite timely notice and demand for payment, the Romanowskis have neglected, refused or failed to pay the assessments against them,” the complaint says.
The complaint also alleges that the Romanowskis used funds from their nutrition business, N53, to pay personal living expenses. The document alleges the couple used corporate funds to pay for rent; appointments at nail, hair and spa salons; plastic surgery and chiropractic appointments; pet food; and groceries.
The U.S. in its filing asked the court to determine that N53 is the “alter ego” of the couple “because it has ceased to have, or never had, a separate existence from the Romanowskis.”
Romanowski made two Pro Bowls as a player, both with the Broncos, and he returned to Denver for the 25th anniversary celebration of the team’s first Super Bowl victory last fall.
His career was marred by numerous altercations with teammates and opponents. The most infamous of those incidents came during a “Monday Night Football” game in 1997, when he spit in the face of 49ers wide receiver J.J. Stokes.
(Photo: Justin Edmonds / Getty)
