ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller is the subject of a consumer-protection investigation by the Missouri Attorney General's Office, according to reports. The probe comes weeks after Miller lost an arm in a car crash.
The investigation centers on allegations that Miller failed to pay out winners from his charity fantasy football leagues and did not deliver on paid scouting lessons. Some accusations date back as far as a decade.
The Attorney General's office stated that it encourages consumers who believe they have been misled to come forward. "Attorney General [Catherine] Hanaway takes consumer protection very seriously, and we will work diligently to uncover the facts," the office said in a statement.
Accusations against Miller began to surface online both before and after he disclosed the extent of his injuries from a June 17 crash. He had revealed on social media that he underwent a life-saving amputation of his left arm due to significant injuries, including multiple fractures and broken ribs, sustained in the collision.
Fantasy Football League Accusations
For years, Miller promoted charity fantasy football leagues on social media, where typically half of the entry fee was designated for charity and the remainder for league winners. Reports indicate that Miller allegedly underpaid top finishers, sometimes by only returning their initial buy-in, and at other times failing to pay out winnings at all. Accusations also claim Miller became unresponsive when these issues were raised.
One participant told Awful Announcing that after winning a league, they received no response from Miller regarding payment. The participant stated that the fantasy sports platform Sleeper had informed them that Miller had been banned for being a known scammer.
Scouting Lesson Allegations
In addition to the fantasy leagues, Miller is accused of taking hundreds or even thousands of dollars from individuals for football scouting lessons, with many claiming the lessons were never fully provided. One person recalled paying $500 for mentorship that never materialized beyond a brief initial call, despite repeated attempts to schedule further sessions.
Charitable Foundation Issues
Records indicate Miller operated a charity called the 417 Foundation, intended to provide necessities to low-income families. However, that organization reportedly received a cease-and-desist letter from the Missouri Secretary of State's office in 2019. Despite this, Miller continued to promote "417 Foundation Fantasy Football Leagues" in 2022.
Miller's Recovery
The accusations come during a difficult period for Miller, who was airlifted to a Joplin, Missouri hospital after his vehicle veered into oncoming traffic. A GoFundMe page established to support his medical recovery has raised over $51,000, with a significant donation from ESPN's Pat McAfee.
Miller has shared updates on his recovery journey, expressing gratitude for the care he has received and focusing on his rehabilitation. He has stated his intention to return to ESPN to discuss football following his recovery.