A former Cleveland Browns player is facing federal lawsuits for allegedly using OxyContin to treat a chronic pain condition.
Mark Dannenberg was charged in May with using the opioid painkiller to treat his back pain.
He pleaded not guilty and faces up to 20 years in prison.
The federal lawsuit alleges Dannockes use of OxyContin increased by 1,000 percent and he took the drug for more than three years before he was charged.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Dannackes family is asking the court to dismiss the case.
The NFL has said it is reviewing the lawsuit.