SouthernWorldwide.com – Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens has publicly accused his manager of over 15 years of stealing money from him.
Owens took to Instagram to share his allegations, posting a screenshot of an email detailing alleged funds and expenses, along with a text message exchange where he confronted his manager, Heather Mesalam.
He stated that Mesalam had been handling his business affairs for more than 15 years and that he discovered the alleged theft on October 3rd.
“I’m posting this because (Heather Mesalam) has handled my business affairs for 15+ years and I discovered on last Oct 3rd that she had stolen from me. The video screenshot puts everything in perspective,” Owens wrote in a lengthy Instagram caption.
The email screenshot included a line item reading, “Me – 1500,” which Owens claimed was for funds taken “without my knowledge.”
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Owens expressed his frustration, stating, “A PERSON CAN ONLY TAKE SO MUCH! Growing up my grandmama said there’s 2 people she can’t stand…A LIAR and A THIEF… When you’re managing someone’s affairs and getting paid to do it, you have to be accountable for it!”
He admitted to not always using his voice when he should have but felt compelled to speak out now, adding, “I GOT TIME TODAY.”
The former NFL star explained his decision to go public, despite potential questions he might receive, citing the recent suicides of football players and his own mental well-being as reasons for needing to “get this off my chest.”
Owens contrasted his situation with how he believes he would be treated if he were accused of theft, suggesting the media and public would scrutinize and potentially ruin his reputation and career opportunities.
“Because if ‘I’ had stolen from someone, I’d be ALL OVER the news, media, talking heads at ESPN would be having a field day with it along with blogs where my reputation and character would be questioned and destroyed ruining business opportunities and relationships,” he stated.
He directly addressed Heather Mesalam, saying, “Heather Mesalam(mezchick), it’s people like you that think that you can just steal from me and think that you’re going to get away with it.”
Owens recalled past financial dealings, mentioning his experiences with former agents Drew and Jason Rosenhaus, and a financial advisor named Jeff Rubin, who was referred to him by the agents.
He stated that Rubin mismanaged his football earnings. Rubin was later linked to a scandal where NFL players collectively lost over $40 million between 2008 and 2011.
“It’s stuff like this that people don’t see and may consider small but it’s what triggers us as athletes and those that have committed suicide in what some call, a selfish act,” Owens added.
Owens confirmed that Mesalam, whom he explicitly called “who stole from me,” no longer works for him in any capacity.
He reassured his fans not to worry about him, stating, “It’s getting handled.”
During his career, the former star for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys earned nearly $80 million from contracts and endorsements, according to Spotrac.
