Former NFL Player Wendell Smallwood Jr. Sentenced to 18 Months for COVID-19 Fraud

Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Wendell Smallwood Jr. has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for his involvement in a series of fraudulent schemes that exploited pandemic relief programs. The sentencing, delivered by Judge Richard G. Andrews on September 18, 2023, marks a significant fall from grace for the athlete, who once celebrated a Super Bowl victory with the Eagles.

Smallwood’s NFL Journey

Wendell Smallwood, a native of Wilmington, Delaware, had aspirations of playing in the NFL from a young age. His dream materialized in 2016 when he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the 153rd overall pick in the NFL Draft. Smallwood quickly became a part of the Eagles’ roster, contributing to the team’s historic Super Bowl win in 2017, which marked the franchise’s first championship in the NFL.

Despite his early success, Smallwood’s career took a downturn. He was released by the Eagles in 2019 as the team finalized its roster. He later had brief stints with the Washington Redskins and the Pittsburgh Steelers but struggled to make a lasting impact in the league. By 2020, Smallwood found himself without a team, leading him to seek alternative avenues for income.

The COVID-19 Fraud Schemes

In the wake of his NFL career, Smallwood became embroiled in criminal activities. According to federal prosecutors, from 2020 to 2023, he orchestrated multiple fraudulent schemes that defrauded the federal government out of more than $600,000. These schemes included submitting false applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), as well as filing fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Investigators revealed that Smallwood did not act alone; he allegedly recruited accomplices to file bogus claims and took kickbacks from their fraudulent activities. The extent of the fraud was significant, with Smallwood reportedly pocketing or funneling a total of $645,000. In a raid on his New Jersey residence in 2023, law enforcement discovered assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines, leading to additional felony charges that he will face in the future.

Sentencing and Reactions

During the sentencing hearing, Smallwood expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “I feel like I let the community down. I let my family down. I have nobody to blame but myself.” His attorney argued for probation, citing Smallwood’s difficult upbringing and his volunteer work with the Wilmington Police Athletic League. However, prosecutors emphasized the calculated and prolonged nature of the fraud, which ultimately influenced the judge’s decision.

Judge Andrews sentenced Smallwood to 18 months in prison, a term shorter than the 33 months sought by prosecutors. In addition to his prison sentence, Smallwood was ordered to repay the full amount of $645,000. This financial restitution underscores the seriousness of his offenses and the impact of his actions on public trust in federal relief programs.

Smallwood, who earned approximately $3 million during his six seasons in the NFL, is set to begin his sentence in December 2023. Before entering prison, he plans to complete his coursework at West Virginia University, where he is pursuing a degree in criminology.

The Broader Context of COVID-19 Fraud

Smallwood’s case is part of a larger trend of fraud associated with COVID-19 relief programs. The federal government allocated trillions of dollars to support individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic, leading to an increase in fraudulent claims. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, thousands of individuals have been charged with similar offenses, highlighting the challenges of safeguarding taxpayer funds during a national crisis.

The Paycheck Protection Program, designed to provide forgivable loans to small businesses, has been particularly vulnerable to fraud. Many individuals exploited the program by submitting false information about their businesses, leading to significant financial losses for the government. Smallwood’s case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of such actions, both for individuals and for the integrity of federal assistance programs.

Conclusion

Wendell Smallwood Jr.’s journey from NFL player to federal inmate illustrates the complexities of life after professional sports. While he once celebrated a Super Bowl victory, his recent actions have led to a significant legal downfall. As he prepares to serve his sentence, Smallwood’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the potential consequences of exploiting systems designed to help those in need. The broader implications of COVID-19 fraud continue to unfold, as authorities work to address the challenges posed by fraudulent claims and restore public trust in federal relief efforts.