Former NFL Safety Reshad Jones Settles $9.5 Million Lawsuit Against Merrill Lynch

MIAMI, Fla. — Former NFL safety Reshad Jones has reached a $9.5 million settlement in a lawsuit against Merrill Lynch. The settlement stems from allegations involving his former financial adviser, Isaiah Williams, who was accused of stealing over $1.5 million from Jones.

The settlement was finalized in August, though reports surfaced this week. According to a June 25 arrest report, Williams utilized his position as Jones’ adviser to gain unauthorized access to the athlete’s personal financial accounts, executing 133 separate transactions totaling $1.56 million.

In addition, Williams is accused of laundering another $1.03 million through a scheme involving bank and cash app transfers to Octivia Monique Graham, a Georgia-based woman Jones claimed to have never met. Court documents reveal that Williams allegedly used the stolen funds for personal expenses, including luxury items, travel, and entertainment.

Investment News reported Wednesday that Merrill Lynch declined to comment on the settlement. Jones’ lawyers, Chase Carlson and Jeff Sonn, would not provide additional comments but referred to prior statements that described the case as “another troubling example of a professional athlete being exploited.”

Originally, Jones had sought $16 million in damages against Merrill Lynch through arbitration. Williams was arrested in June on multiple charges, including first-degree grand theft and organized fraud, with a potential prison sentence of up to 30 years if convicted. Currently, he remains out on a $1 million bond while awaiting trial.

Jones, who was drafted in the fifth round by the Miami Dolphins in 2010, spent ten seasons in the NFL, earning two Pro Bowl selections and accumulating over $56 million in earnings.