NHL Jack Johnson Cuts Ties with Family Over Bankruptcy

27 year old National Hockey League defenseman, Jack Johnson has reportedly cut all ties with his family after they led him down the path of financial ruin until he had no choice but to declare bankruptcy.   Johnson, who plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets signed a seven year deal with the team and earns $5 million a season. Unfortunately for him, this fact could not help him bail out of the huge pit dug by his parents who convinced him to sign a power of attorney to allow them to handle his finances, after Johnson broke off from his former agent, Pat Brisson.

According to media reports, Johnson’s mother, Tina, used her new role to  borrow $15 million against future earnings in a total of 18 high-interest loans from various banks.  Since Jack Johnson’s name was on the loans, he was the one who was eventually sued (at least three times) for defaulting on several purchases that he wasn’t even aware of – including a house in Miami Beach.

Jack Senior and Tina also reportedly purchased themselves new cars and upgraded their home with the money earned by their son.

A source told the Columbus Dispatch: “Jack would ask (his parents) questions: ‘What’s this? What are these guys calling about?’   And they would tell him not to worry about it, just worry about playing hockey.

“These were his parents, right? He trusted them. It wasn’t until last spring or early summer that he understood there was a significant problem.”

After claiming bankruptcy, Jack Johnson cut off contact with his parents and is working hard to rectify the damage to his finances and reputation.

He told the Dispatch: “I’d say I picked the wrong people who led me down the wrong path. I’ve got people in place who are going to fix everything now. It’s something I should have done a long time ago.”