Damilare Sonoiki, a former writer for the show “Black-ish,” and the Cleveland Browns’ Mychal Kendricks were charged with insider trading, and they now face serious prison time.
Before writing for the hit ABC show, Sonoiki was an investment banker, as well as an analyst for Goldman Sachs, and he gave Kendricks the insider information between 2013 and 2015.
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In return, the pro linebacker — who also played for the Philadelphia Eagles — gave Sonoiki free tickets to Eagles’ games, $10,000 and organized a meet-and-greet with Teyana Taylor.
Kendricks recently issued an apology to his fans and teammates for what he said was a lapse in proper judgement.
“I would like to apologize,” he wrote. “Four years ago, I participated in insider trading, and I deeply regret it. I invested money with a former friend of mine who I thought I could trust, and who I greatly admired. His background as a Harvard graduate and an employee of Goldman Sachs gave me a false sense of confidence.”
“To this point, I had worked my tail off since I was 5 years old to become a football player,” added Kendricks. “I was drawn in by the allure of being more than just a football player. While I didn’t fully understand all of the details of the illegal trades, I knew it was wrong, and I wholeheartedly regret my actions.”
Kendricks also said he plans to pay all of the illegal profits back.
“Although I did not take any of the profits for myself, I am committed to re-paying all of the funds gained illegally and accept the consequences of my actions,” he stated.
According to ESPN, Kendricks and Sonoiki made $1.2 million during their scheme on four major stock investments. The Cleveland Browns have already released Kendricks as well.
Sonoiki has yet to comment, but an inside source said he no longer works for ABC and has already stopped writing for “Black-ish” years ago.
You can read Kendrick’s full statement below.
A statement from #Browns LB Mychal Kendrick, who has just been charged by the feds for insider trading. Wow. pic.twitter.com/0IEsV6lPTh
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2018
