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Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Tom Sullivan (pictured) died back in 2002. He played in the NFL for only six years, 1972 to 1978, but it was long enough for him to earn the league's pension. After his death, the pension began going to his wife, Barbara Sullivan, who he married in 1986. The amount is about $2,700 a month.
But a woman named Lavona Hill, who Sullivan married in 1979, is claiming that she's owed some money too, and a federal judge has ruled that she's right.
Sullivan never divorced Hill, when they separated in 1983, so the judge found that Sullivan's marriage to Barbara was void under South Carolina's bigamy law. The NFL must now send the pension payments to Hill, and she could possibly sue Barbara for $193,000 in repayment of benefits.
Sullivan never divorced Hill, when they separated in 1983, so the judge found that Sullivan's marriage to Barbara was void under South Carolina's bigamy law. The NFL must now send the pension payments to Hill, and she could possibly sue Barbara for $193,000 in repayment of benefits.
"In our society, if marriage is going to mean anything, you have to have a beginning point and an end point," Hill's lawyer, David B. Sherman, told the Associated Press. "You can't run to another jurisdiction or state without properly taking care of your business."
Records show that Sullivan was married three times. He was married and divorced before he met Hill, but she didn't know about it, and it's likely that Barbara didn't know about Sullivan's marriage to Hill either.
"We believe she's an honest victim to the shenanigans ... of Mr. Sullivan," Sherman said.
After Sullivan died in a 2002 car wreck, Hill's son from another relationship suggested she look in to any possible Social Security benefits she may be owed. She was told to contact the NFL and the whole story started to unfold.
Barbara has yet to respond to the ruling, but it's believed that the NFL pension money was being earmarked for college funds for Barbara and Sullivan's child.
"The court stayed strong on the principle that you can't have a bigamy relationship," Sherman said. "That's the sacred principle. You can't have people worried about whether they're married or not."
Comments: (24)
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By: Angie on 11/12/2010 11:46AM
The 3rd marriage was null and void, he never divorced the second wife. Not her fault he was ignorant, nor the 3rd wifes fault. But the one he was legally married to, should get the money. He should have been man enough to get a divorce. His death was not in vain....
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By: michelle franklin on 11/14/2010 2:25PM
Well the first that needs to be checked out is why that womens last name is hill! Is that her maiden name or did she get married too? Mrs sullivan,I think you better get your snoop doggy dog own and find out if she remarried. then that means that she a bigamist also!
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By: stare k on 11/12/2010 12:25PM
And some peopel say marriage don't mean nothing .The law stand up for marriage's .Not living togeather , but married .Do you all mistresses get it.
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By: westfall on 11/12/2010 12:38PM
I hope all you people shacking up without the benefit of marriage take heed. If you don't make it leagal, then you will be out of luck when the courts become involved.
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By: Gail on 11/14/2010 7:13AM
What's up with these black men not taking care of their business???? i.e. James Brown, Barry White, and this dude Tom Sullivan. Why don't black men get their business in order before they die? Why do they leave "loved ones" to fight over their estate? Just asking a damn question, because I don't get it!!!
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By: KAVCS on 11/14/2010 3:41PM
Maybe one should ask a few questions before hopping in the bed. If you keep your legs closed for 6 months or more the truth will come out.
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By: esq on 11/15/2010 9:05AM
Yeah, because this never happens to white people.
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By: MS PEGGY on 11/14/2010 12:59PM
Lord have mercy! That poor woman thought she was legally wed and wasn't. These MEN! He knew he wasn't divorced.
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