New York Giants #13 Danny Kanell tries to pass despite blocking efforts from Tampa Bay Buccaneers # 77 Brad Culpepper in 1997. Culpepper is being sued for insurance fraud after an appearance on "Survivor" made him seem healthier than he once claimed. UPI ep/John Angelillo |
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TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Former NFL lineman Brad Culpepper is being sued for fraud by his insurance company after a physically demanding stint on the CBS reality show Survivor cast into doubt if Culpepper deserved the $175,000 in workers compensation he was being awarded at the time.
The lawsuit points to a specific episode of Survivor, first aired in 2013, that shows Culpepper paddling a canoe, swimming and moving large crates. All at a time Culpepper told doctors he was unable to work due to perpetual "low back pain and stiffness" which kept him from lifting heavy objects and being able to do everyday tasks like get into a bath.
"I was on pain medication, and I had a back procedure right before that," Culpepper told ABC News in his first public comments since the lawsuit was filed.
"Just because I chose to do things that are contra [sic] to my body, doesn't mean I'm not in pain, and doesn't mean I'm not impaired."
Fairmount Premier, the insurer responsible Culpepper's compensation, says Culpepper presented himself as much worse physically than someone who was injured and capable of pushing them selves, even if too far.
"When asked if there are things he cannot do, defendant Culpepper testified that 'everything is difficult,'" the lawsuit asserts.
"Culpepper's conduct was fraudulent, deceptive and designed to inflate the value of his claim and to take advantage of and abuse the California workers' compensation system."
Culpepper's wife Monica first appeared on Survivor as a solo contestent, and asked him to appear after the producers told her she would not be invited to compete again without here notable husband.
"I 100 percent wish I had never asked him to be on the show," Monica Culpepper lamented.
"For all that he's going through right now and being this insurance company's target, is not worth it."
Culpepper played in the NFL between 1992 and 2000, with stints on the Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears. Although he is being sued in California, Culpepper keeps his residence in the Tampa area.
