BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Vince Young's lawyer disputed a company's claim that the Buffalo Bills backup quarterback defaulted on a high-risk loan and now owes nearly $1.7 million.
Attorney Trey Dolezal also raised questions on Friday whether his client was even aware the loan was taken out in his name. Dolezal told The Associated Press by phone that Pro Player Funding never contacted Young, and instead worked with the player's former financial adviser, Ronnie T. Peoples, in issuing a high-interest $1.877 million loan in May 2011.
"Let me say this, according to Pro Player, they dealt directly with Ron Peoples," Dolezal said. "We believe that Ron Peoples was involved in this loan, contacted Pro Player, was the go-between between Pro Player to get this loan, and Vince never even know this loan was taking place."
Dolezal said Young never had any contact with Pro Player and questioned if Young actually or knowingly signed the loan documents.
"There are some problems with that signature, whether or not, No. 1, it's Vince's signature and, No. 2, whether or not that signature was supposed to be attached to this document," Dolezal said.
Pro Player Funding filed documents in New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan on June 6 stating it was legally obligated to begin collecting $1.695 million from Young because the player defaulted on the loan. The company claimed Young did so by missing a payment in late May.
Among the documents Pro Player filed was what was called an affidavit of confession of judgment that included papers signed by Young as proof the player was aware of the terms and conditions of the loan. The short-term loan was to be repaid by January 2013 at an annual interest rate of 20 percent. That rate jumped another 10 percent if Young missed a payment.
"They're harassing him while he's trying to make the football team," Dolezal said.
A message left with Brian Jedwab, Pro Player Funding's managing director, was not returned.
Peoples' attorney, David Chaumette, acknowledged the North Carolina-based financial planner initiated the loan, but disputed Dolezal's claim that Young was not involved.
Peoples and Young's former agent, Major Adams, are both accused in a lawsuit the quarterback filed in Houston in June of cheating him out of at least $5.5 million.
Adams and Peoples have both denied the allegations.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
