Ex-Saints WR Joe Horn pleads guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud

Former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Joe Horn on Thursday pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud as part of a plea agreement.

Horn, 47, was among 12 former NFL players named last week, accused of making false medical equipment reimbursement claims worth nearly $4 million. Federal investigators allege they defrauded a health care plan that helps retired NFL players cover out-of-pocket medical expenses.

According to The Times-Picayune, Horn said that in 2018, he received $149,775 for false claims. The Eastern District of Kentucky is prosecuting Horn's case, and he could face 10 years in prison if convicted. His sentencing is set for April.

The ex-players allegedly filed claims for medical equipment that included cryotherapy machines, ultrasound devices, hyperbaric oxygen chambers and electromagnetic devices for use on horses.

Along with Horn, others named by the Department of Justice in the alleged scheme included Clinton Portis, John Eubanks, Robert McCune, Carlos Rogers, Ceandris Brown, Correll Buckhalter, James Butler, Fredrick Bennett, Etric Pruitt, Donald Caldwell and Tamarick Vanover.

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