He played quarterback on the frozen tundra of western New York State. Shane Matthews did not have the kind of with the Buffalo Bills that he had enjoyed in college with the University of Florida Gators, however.
Matthews was recently sentenced to three months in prison for his role in a health care fraud conspiracy that prosecutors said was the brainchild of his former University of Florida teammate. Matthews pleaded guilty last summer to a count of causing a prescription drug to be misbranded.
Matthews’ former teammate – linebacker Monty Grow – was convicted of health care fraud and other charges as part of a scheme that bilked $20 million from TRICARE, a health care program for members of the military, veterans and families. Grow faces a sentence of up to 20 years, a news report indicated.
Matthews, 47, is an assistant high school football coach and a sports radio personality. He admitted to receiving $440,000 for securing sales representatives who lined up TRICARE recipients for a pharmacy.
As part of the plea agreement negotiated by Matthews’ health care law attorneys, the former quarterback will have electronic home monitoring for three months and will also be required to perform 50 hours of community service.
He played for 14 seasons in the NFL, with the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins. Matthews retired 12 years ago.
For those facing FBI investigation of health care fraud allegations or civil inquiries conducted by administrative agencies, it is important to contact an experienced health care law attorney immediately to discuss the allegations, evidence and your legal options. Contact the New York City law firm of Rivas Goldstein, LLP for more information.