The highly acclaimed Blindside movie, starring Sandra Bullock is one of the greatest true football stories ever captured, but the after-event drama is reaching scalding levels.
Earlier this week the Tuohy family hit back at the former NFL offensive tackle with a strongly worded statement after the former Ole Miss and Baltimore Ravens star accused the family of tricking him into conservatorship and lied about his adoption, in a petition to the Tennessee court.
The Tuohy family hit back with a strongly worded statement: “The idea that the Tuohy’s had ever sought to profit off Mr. Oher is not only offensive, but also transparently ridiculous,” it started.
The former Panther, Titan and Ravens player also claims he was tricked into signing a document which gave the family legal authority to conduct business in his name.
His life story was first written in a 2006 book by author Michael Lewis, entitled: ‘The Blindside: evolution of a Game’, before being turned into an academy-award-winning film three years later.
The Tuohy family claim Oher tried to shake them down for $15 million, threatening to plant negative stories should he not receive the eight-figure sum.
Oher felt ‘ripped off’ with the seemingly small amount of revenue he earned from the sales of the movie and threatened the family for an outlandish sum. At least this is what they are alleging.
“The evidence – documented in profit participation checks and studio accounting statements – is clear: over the years, the Tuohy’s have given Mr. Oher an equal cut of every penny received from the Blind Side (movie),” continued the court-heard statement.
The family made clear that the conservatorship was established to assist with needs, ranging from health insurance and obtaining a driver license, and college admissions.
This is not the first time Oher has tried this tactic, with many lawyers looking at the evidence and deciding not too act. Again, this is according to the Tuohy family.
Well, the book and movie, and real-life story is compelling and tells how a kid from nowhere found himself on the football field with a family that felt he needed a chance in life. That story turned out well, with Oher eventually realising his potential, playing at Mississippi and the Ravens.
The attorney on record for Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, Martin Singer concludes: “The Tuohy’s will always care deeply for Mr. Oher. They are heartbroken over these events.”
Now, isn’t this a classic example of a real life fairytale turned nightmare.
