Poor money management is the cause of a number of people’s financial problems. While some folks have incredible management skills, either surviving on a very tight budget or just controlling their spending and investing wisely, other blow millions of dollars.

One of the most famous cases, at least for professional athletes, is former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson who squandered more than $150 million. As reported in www.huffingtonpost.com.

Perhaps if former NFL and University of Miami defensive tackle William Joseph had managed his funds more wisely he would not have had to resort to theft.

For his efforts, the 32-year-old Joseph will spend at least two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges related to an undercover FBI tax fraud investigation.

He was caught by the FBI, which operated an undercover check-cashing store in North Miami, Florida and Joseph and seven others, including two football players, cashed roughly $500,000 in fraudulent tax refund checks.

Joseph pled guilty to theft of government money and identity theft charges. The mandatory minimum sentence is two years in prison.

Former NFL running back Michael Bennett and former Syracuse University lineman Louis Gadhelic also pleaded guilty for their roles in the tax fraud scheme.

Joseph hasn’t played in the NFL since 2010, but was at one time a first-round pick of the New York Giants in 2003. He made at least $8 million during his brief NFL career. I hope as part of his time in jail he receives a stop theft class and counseling. A former NFL player still has the ability to influence many young children and make a positive impact on society.