Former NFL wide receiver Josh Bellamy was once a promising rookie entering the league with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012. Now, nearly a decade later, he was sentenced to three years and a month in a federal prison according to the US Department of Justice.

Bellamy has been accused of “fraudulently obtaining over $ 1.2 million through a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the CARES Act (Coronavirus) Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) ”.

He was also “sentenced to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $ 1,246,565 in restitution and $ 1,246,565 in forfeiture.”

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Bellamy pleaded guilty to charges on June 9 in the Southern District of Florida at the age of 32. He initially joined the Chiefs at the age of 23.

The details of his charge were described as follows:

As part of the fraud scheme, Bellamy obtained a PPP loan of $ 1,246,565 for his company, Drip Entertainment LLC, using forged documents and false information. Bellamy admitted to using the proceeds from the PPP loan on personal items, such as jewelry, and a stay at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Bellamy also applied for PPP loans on behalf of his family and close associates. Bellamy further admitted that he paid more than $ 311,000 to an alleged co-conspirator, James Stote, as a bribe for his assistance in preparing and submitting the fraudulent loan application.

He was also originally charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.

His partner, Stote, was “indicted by complaint on June 24, 2020, with wire fraud, bank fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.” His case remains pending. “

During his eight years in the National Football League, Bellamy raised over $ 8.1 million in career income.

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Bellamy’s journey in the NFL

Many Chiefs fans may not even recognize the name, given that Bellamy was only with the franchise his rookie season. He got some hype as a potential “rough diamond” prospect that was overlooked in the project.

Former HC chef Romeo Crennel was impressed with his speed and size back then and Bellamy has always had an eye on special teams. The large-out was quoted as saying he liked this side of the game because he knew that “it’s the fastest way to make the squad as a rookie, especially for an undrafted guy like [him]. “

The freshman UDFA finally made the active roster after starting his career on the practice squad. He adjusted for three games with Kansas City but didn’t register a catch, only considering special teams with 43 total snaps.

In 2013, the former Louisville product was discontinued by the organization before landing on the Washington practice squad. Bellamy’s longest stint has been five seasons with the Chicago Bears, but he received his biggest contract from the New York Jets (two years, $ 5 million).

It ended up being his last stop as a football player. The wide receiver has played seven games in New York, recording just two catches for 20 yards.

Bellamy was released after sustaining a shoulder injury that forced him to miss half of 2019 and the entire 2020 campaign. He has never played in the NFL again and is unlikely to do so. now after his conviction.

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