This is crazy, but thankfully for Beanie Wells, it should go away.
The former Ohio State star and NFL running back repeatedly had his life threatened by guys that he’s actually known since he was kid — all because of a botched drug deal involving his brother Cleveland.com reports.
The Akron native had threats made against his life by Franklin Conley and Patrick Griffin after the men lost money to a Mexican drug dealer they met through Wells’ brother, interviews and court filings say.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office says that Conley and Griffin, both 28, targeted Wells because they thought they had a chance at recouping their losses from the drug deal, and called and texted him threats demanding between $65,000 and $175,000.
Both were charged in June, and Griffin pleaded guilty in December to Hobbs Act extortion.
Conley has pleaded not guilty to extortion and drug charges. The motion filed Friday says that Conley and Wells have been friends since childhood.
The Cardinals drafted Wells in the first round in 2009 — where he played in 51 games, starting 23 — with his best season coming in 2011 when he rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 11 rushing touchdowns.
He made some money, but these guys must have been under the impression that he was filthy rich.