Josh Bellamy, former wide receiver for the New York Jets, embezzled millions in Covid aid money. Now the ex-athlete is being sentenced to a long prison term by a court.

Munich – Judicial decision in the USA.

Former NFL player Josh Bellamy has been sentenced to three years and one month in a US federal prison for fraudulently embezzling more than US$1.2 million in Covid relief funds.

The 32-year-old was sentenced in a Tampa, Florida court on Friday, court documents show. In addition to his prison sentence, Bellamy must also pay restitution. He had already pleaded guilty in June.

According to court documents, he obtained a Corona loan of 1.2 million US dollars with forged documents and false statements for his company. However, he spent the funds on personal items such as jewellery, stays at a posh hotel in Las Vegas and casino visits. Bellamy also applied for loans for his family members and close associates.

Bellamy last with the Jets

In 2012, the pass receiver joined the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent. He went on to play for the Chicago Bears, among others.

2019, he signed a two-year deal worth five million US dollars with the New York Jets. The wide receiver was on the field for the “Gang Green” in seven games before he injured his shoulder and the season was over for him.

In September 2020, just days before his arrest, the franchise removed him from the PUP list.