Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has found himself at the center of a deeply personal legal battle, filing a lawsuit against his father, James Mayfield, for allegedly misappropriating $12 million. The case stems from dealings with James’ investment firm, Canwood Capital, with the quarterback alleging that funds were transferred from him and his wife, Emily, without their consent over a three-year period, from 2018 to 2021.
The shocking lawsuit comes on the heels of a turbulent history between the two parties. Earlier this year, the Mayfields and Canwood Capital reached a settlement that required James Mayfield to repay nearly the entire amount in question. However, Baker alleges that his father has failed to uphold his end of the agreement, prompting this latest legal escalation.
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According to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court in the Austin Division of the Western District of Texas, the January settlement stipulated a payment plan to recover the funds. The first installment of $250,000 was due on September 30, but Baker claims he has yet to receive a dime. The quarterback accuses his father of reneging on the deal and obstructing efforts to clarify the situation.
“Defendants attempted to obscure the relevant information, avoided Plaintiffs’ inquiries, and invented fictional explanations for their actions,”the lawsuit reads. It further accuses Canwood Capital of failing to refinance loans, refusing to provide financial records, and ignoring communication attempts from the Mayfields.
A family feud turned legal
The new lawsuit, spanning nine pages, details the escalating conflict. Baker and Emily Mayfield assert they have exhausted all other options before pursuing this latest legal recourse. “It is now clear that Defendants had no intention of making Plaintiffs whole when they entered into the Settlement Agreement,” the filing states.
The couple’s legal action represents a significant rift in a family dynamic that now seems irreparable. James Mayfield or representatives from Canwood Capital have not made any public statements on this at the time.
Mayfield Balancing Personal and Professional Challenges
Despite the off-field turmoil, Mayfield has been thriving on the gridiron. He is currently in his second season with the Buccaneers, a team he revitalized during his first year with a standout performance on a one-year “prove-it” deal. His efforts earned him a lucrative three-year, $100 million extension, solidifying his role as Tampa Bay’s franchise quarterback.
Just last week, Mayfield led the Bucs to a resounding 30-7 victory over the New York Giants, even drawing attention with a lighthearted Italian-hand gesture after a touchdown. The celebration was a nod to Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito, showcasing Mayfield’s penchant for mixing humor with his competitive fire.
While Mayfield has worked to position himself as one of the NFL’s rising stars, the legal battle with his father threatens to overshadow his accomplishments. Experts believe that the public nature of the dispute could complicate his image, particularly given its familial nature.
“It’s a rare situation when a professional athlete sues a close family member,” said a legal analyst familiar with the case, per FOX News. “It’s going to raise questions about trust and judgment, even if Baker is in the right.“
For now, the quarterback remains focused on football, with the Buccaneers vying for playoff contention in the NFC South. Mayfield’s leadership on the field has been praised by teammates, who say he’s done a remarkable job compartmentalizing the personal and professional aspects of his life.
