Feds Seek Pension of Former NFL Player Reggie Rucker Related to Gambling Theft

(Associated Press) - Federal prosecutors say former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Reggie Rucker owes more than $110,000 for stealing from two charities, and they want to garnish his earnings from the NFL for restitution.

Cleveland.com reports that could include his pension and any money he might receive from a nearly $1 billion class-action settlement that the NFL agreed to pay to athletes who suffered concussions. Players have months to submit claims in that settlement.

Rucker’s attorney says the imprisoned 69-year-old intends to use settlement money as restitution.

Rucker was sentenced to 21 months for using money from two charities to pay gambling debts and personal expenses.

One of his attorneys has blamed those actions on a gambling addiction and football-related brain injuries. Prosecutors scoffed at that argument.