Ted DiBiase Sr., the legendary pro wrestler known as "The Million Dollar Man," is grappling with the shame his sons Ted Jr. and Brett brought upon his family. According to the Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs, DiBiase Jr.
has been charged with misappropriating millions of dollars in federal safety-net funds intended for needy families and low-income individuals in Mississippi. Last month, Brett pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the government, but he is not expected to testify in the ongoing case.
DiBiase Jr. is accused of funneling millions of dollars from two charity organizations that received money from The Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families effort, as reported by USA Today.
The funds were allegedly channeled through two businesses DiBiase Jr. set up and used to purchase a boat and car and make a down payment on a house.
Wrestling Icon Apologizes for Tweet Amidst Son's Arrest
Ted DiBiase Sr. faced backlash on social media after posting a now-deleted tweet featuring his famous catchphrase, "Everybody's got a price," accompanied by an image of him forcing an enhancement talent to eat money.
Fans criticized the post as insensitive in light of the serious charges against his son. DiBiase Sr. subsequently deleted the post, apologized, and issued a statement, which he later removed. The charges against DiBiase Jr. include six counts of wire fraud, four counts of money laundering, and two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.
If found guilty of all counts of wire fraud, the former WWE wrestler could face up to 120 years in prison, with the other charges carrying up to 65 years. Ted DiBiase Sr., a WWE and WWF veteran, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010 and works in the WWE Legends division.
In addition to his illustrious wrestling career, DiBiase Sr. has been a manager, analyst, and ordained minister, earning roughly 30 titles as one of the sport's greatest villains.