There are a lot of famous people out there who had to endure a troubled childhood. Former NFL veteran Michael Ohers’ life is different and challenging from most other NFL players who spent much of his childhood in the foster care system.
Before his eleventh birthday, Michael, who had a total of 12 siblings, was given up for adoption. He later got adopted by the Tuohy family when he was 16 years old. However, recently, the former NFL player denounced them and demanded compensation.
Michael Oher sues his sheltering family
Oher petitioned the Tuohy family in a Tennessee probate court on Monday, nearly two decades after his adoption. Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, according to the 37-year-old, had never truly adopted him. Instead, they submitted a petition for a conservatorship on his behalf in 2004 that gave them “total control over [his] ability to negotiate for or enter any contract.”
He claimed that their primary goal in signing over the rights was to profit financially. Additionally, he claimed that the alleged adopted Michael when he was already 18 years old, yet at that time he had full independence of his own life as he was a physically able person.
According to the 14-page petition that was filed in Shelby County, “Since at least August of 2004, Conservators have allowed Michael specifically, and the public, generally, to believe that Conservators adopted Michael and have used that untruth to gain financial advantages for themselves and the foundations which they own or which they exercise control”.
More interestingly The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year learned in February that the guardianship he agreed upon on the grounds that doing so would make him a part of the Tuohy family had in fact given him no family relationship.
Oher’s story inspired the Oscar-winning movie “The Blind Side”
Over the life story of two-time All-American, Sandra Bullock made a film named “The Blind Side” in which the director focused on how the homeless teenager found a new home through the Tuohy family which flourished his whole life. In addition to grossing an estimated $330 million and tens of millions more from home video sales, the movie won an Oscar.
The complaint also states that his adopted family negotiated on behalf of themselves and their two biological children and agreed to a $225,000 plus 2.5% of future revenues movie contract for the rights to his narrative.
The family asserted that they were paid a flat rate for the narrative and that the former Cardinals player received a portion of the earnings. However, the ex-player’s lawyer argued that he never obtained a penny from the film.
According to ESPN, the Tuohy family described Michael’s move as “upsetting” but did not immediately answer calls. They insisted that their goal was not to exploit him for financial gain.
“We’re devastated,” Sean Tuohy told the outlet. “It’s upsetting to think we would make money off any of our children. But we’re going to love Michael at 37 just like we loved him at 16.”
The 23rd overall choice in the 2009 draft played with the Baltimore Ravens during his first five seasons before spending his final three with the Tennessee Titans and Carolina Panthers. He finished his NFL career after the Panthers waved him off after helping the Ravens win a Super Bowl.
However, unfortunately, with the help of his lawyer, he recently discovered the real motive of his adopted parents. The case still evolving. To know the latest update, stay tuned!
