Bill Romanowski allegedly owes more than $15 million in unpaid taxes

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil complaint against former NFL star Bill Romanowski and his wife owe more than $15 million in back taxes and allege the couple used their company to pay personal living expenses.

The 18-page complaint was filed earlier this week in the U.S. District Court of Northern California. It’s based in Oakland.

The tax bill shouldn’t have been a surprise to Bill Romanowski. The IRS notified him of the tax debt back in 2013 on income earned from 1998-2007. The dates cover the later half of his NFL career, when he was playing for the Broncos and Raiders, and then in the immediate years after his retirement.

The Romanowskis own Nutrition 53 Inc. The complaint also named the company as a defendant in the civil complaint. Prosecutors wrote in the complaint:

“By using N53 to pay their personal living expenses and those of their adult children, the Romanowskis have improperly used N53 to thwart the IRS’s collection of the individual income tax assessments at issue in this case.”

Complaint says Bill Romanowski, wife used $10,000 a month from company funds to pay for personal expenses

The company sells diet and nutrional supplements, including fat-burning meal replacements. The site also sells collagen products to help with beautiful skin, lush hair and strong nails.

The complaint alleges that the couple used $10,000 a month from corporate funds to pay rent on their home and for their adult children. Prosecutors also accused the couple of spending corporate money on plastic surgery, chiropractic appointments, groceries and charges for day spas and hair salons.

The complaint said that Bill Romanowski and his wife refused to pay their tax bill. And prosecutors say the couple shielded their assets and income from the collection of more taxes.

Prosecutors want the federal court to approve the past tax amount of $15,330,277.83, plus interest. The prosecutors also are asking the court to determine that N53 as the “alter ego” of the couple. And finally, the prosectors are asking a judge to grant federal tax liens against all property owned by the couple.

Bill Romanowski starred at linebacker for Boston College. The 49ers selected him in the third round of the 1988 NFL Draft. He played in San Francisco until 1993. From there, he played for the Eagles, Broncos and Raiders. He was part of five Super Bowls, with four wins.

Romanowski also was known for his longevity. He played in a then NFL record 243 straight games from 1988 to 2003.

The Denver Post noted that this isn’t the first case brought against Bill Romanowski. He was acquitted in 2001 of charges related to the use of diet drugs prescribed for his wife and her friend. Four years later, he settled a case and agreed to pay ex-teammate Marcus Williams $415,000 for punching him in the face during practice. The punch broke Williams’ left eye socket.

And in 2013, a federal judge ruled that the Romanowskis owed $5 million in back taxes from their investment in ClassicStar., a horse-breeding company. Classic Star declared bankruptcy and its principals were convicted of tax fraud.