NFL's Antonio Pierce's Wife Files for Bankruptcy Amidst $28 Million Debt

Amidst reports of her husband Antonio Pierce's involvement in massive debts, the wife of Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jocelyn Pierce has filed for bankruptcy in an attempt to safeguard her assets. The former NFL player is reportedly responsible for over $28 million in debts stemming from failed car dealership investments.

Jocelyn Pierce, the wife of Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, has filed for bankruptcy earlier this month in Arizona, where she is a resident. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the move was made on June 12 to protect her assets and those of the marital community. The filing comes after a series of failed car dealership investments in the early 2010s, resulting in creditors seeking to collect judgment from the couple.

NFL's Antonio Pierce's Wife Files for Bankruptcy Amidst $28 Million Debt

Court documents obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal reveal that Antonio Pierce was persuaded to invest in car dealerships in the 2010s. Despite his role as a passive investor with no oversight or management responsibilities, Pierce was allegedly asked to sign various documents. The documents later surfaced as personal guarantees bearing Pierce's name.

When several of the dealerships defaulted on their loans, the lenders obtained judgments against the businesses and Pierce as a guarantor. Documents reviewed by The Athletic indicate that two lenders, Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation and Hyundai Capital America, hold judgments against Pierce for $23 million and $4.5 million, respectively.

NFL's Antonio Pierce's Wife Files for Bankruptcy Amidst $28 Million Debt

The lenders attempted to seize Pierce's wages with the Raiders to satisfy the debt, prompting Jocelyn to file for bankruptcy. She was granted an extension until July 12 to provide additional paperwork after claiming that she did not sign any guarantees on the loan and was forced to file the claim after the lenders attempted to collect it.

Antonio Pierce, 45, joined the Raiders in 2022 as the linebackers coach. The following year, he was named interim head coach after Josh McDaniels was fired. He was officially named head coach in January.

NFL's Antonio Pierce's Wife Files for Bankruptcy Amidst $28 Million Debt

The bankruptcy filing highlights the potential financial risks associated with investments, especially when personal guarantees are involved. It also underscores the importance of carefully reviewing investment opportunities and seeking professional advice before committing funds.

Raiders' management has yet to comment on the situation, and it remains to be seen how it will impact Antonio Pierce's tenure as head coach. The team is currently preparing for the upcoming NFL season, and it is unclear if the financial issues will affect Pierce's focus or the team's performance.

The Raiders are scheduled to open their preseason schedule on August 12 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The regular season kicks off on September 10 when they host the Los Angeles Chargers.