Baker Mayfield Sues Family Over Alleged $12 Million Theft

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has initiated a federal lawsuit against companies managed by his father and brother, alleging they embezzled nearly $12 million from him over several years. The legal battle highlights an extraordinary breach of trust within the athlete’s family and centers on financial dealings from 2018 to 2021. Mayfield, alongside his wife Emily and their company, Team BRM, claims in court filings that the defendants exploited their familial relationships to misappropriate funds.

The lawsuit, filed in Texas, specifically names Camwood Capital Management Group—where Mayfield’s father is a senior managing director and his brother serves as managing director—as the central entity in the alleged scheme. According to the complaint, the funds were initially transferred from Baker and Emily Mayfield’s private accounts to Team BRM before being funneled into accounts controlled by the family-run companies. The plaintiffs assert that these transactions were carried out without their knowledge or consent.

Court documents reveal that Baker and Emily Mayfield became aware of the alleged theft during routine financial reviews. Upon confronting the family members involved, they were met with efforts to conceal the transactions, including fabricated explanations for the unauthorized transfers. “The defendants invented fictional explanations for their actions,” the lawsuit states, painting a picture of calculated deception. The legal filing accuses the defendants of taking the funds with “no plan or ability to repay it.” This assertion is supported by a January 2023 settlement agreement, which laid out specific repayment terms. Under the agreement, the defendants were obligated to repay $11.74 million, plus interest, starting on September 30, 2023. However, according to the lawsuit, no payments have been made, and it is alleged that the defendants never intended to honor the settlement terms.

Baker Mayfield’s lawsuit seeks to enforce the repayment of the stolen funds, along with attorneys’ fees and accrued interest. The filing names several entities affiliated with Camwood Capital Management Group as co-defendants, including Texas Contract Manufacturing Group, Unitech Tool & Machine Inc., Apex Machining, Inc., and Lor-Van Manufacturing Inc. Representatives for Camwood Capital Management Group did not immediately respond to media requests for comment.

Baker Mayfield’s career trajectory has been marked by both athletic success and significant financial milestones. Drafted as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2018, Mayfield quickly made his mark by setting the NFL rookie record for passing touchdowns. He also led the Browns to a playoff appearance, ending a decades-long drought for the franchise. After stints with the Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers in 2022, Mayfield joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023 under a three-year, $100 million contract. He succeeded Tom Brady as the team’s quarterback and led the Buccaneers to a division title during his first season. Financially, Mayfield has amassed approximately $85 million in career earnings and stands to earn an additional $70 million through 2026 under his current contract.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are valued at $5.4 billion, ranking them as the 16th most valuable NFL franchise. This valuation reflects a 29% increase from the previous year, with the team generating $134 million in operating income. The Buccaneers are owned by the Glazer family, whose net worth was estimated at $10 billion as of early 2024. Mayfield’s lawsuit underscores the broader risks professional athletes face when entrusting financial matters to close associates or family members. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of high-profile individuals to financial exploitation, even from within their inner circles.

Mayfield’s legal battle is not an isolated incident in the world of professional sports. Other athletes have faced similar betrayals involving trusted individuals. Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was reportedly defrauded of $16 million by his interpreter, who allegedly used the funds to pay off gambling debts. Similarly, former San Antonio Spurs star Tim Duncan accused a financial adviser of misappropriating over $20 million. Several NFL players, including former quarterback Mark Sanchez, have also fallen victim to fraudulent schemes, with losses exceeding $30 million in some cases.

As Mayfield pursues legal recourse, his lawsuit not only seeks restitution but also aims to hold the defendants accountable for what the quarterback describes as a deliberate and calculated betrayal. While the outcome of the case remains uncertain, it reflects the broader financial challenges faced by professional athletes, many of whom rely on external management for their substantial earnings. For Mayfield, the case serves as a pivotal moment in asserting control over his financial future. It also sends a strong message about the importance of transparency and accountability in financial dealings, even when family is involved. The court proceedings will undoubtedly draw attention from both legal and sports communities as Mayfield’s legal team works to recover the alleged stolen funds.