“Claims on both sides are pretty desperate” - CFB Insider on 'The Blind Side' Michael Oher-Tuohy family legal situation 

Michael Oher (R) and the Touhy family
Michael Oher (R) and the Touhy family

'The Blind Side' charts the incredible journey of former NFL player Michael Oher and his close connection with the Tuohy family.

Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy were entrusted with managing Oher's conservatorship in the heart of Shelby County, Tennessee. However, a legal storm is developing because Oher has filed documents to terminate this conservatorship.

youtube-cover

Michael Oher, who was drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Ole Miss and went on to win a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, filed a petition with Shelby County probate court on Monday.

CFB insider Rece Davis said there was still plenty of uncertainty and that people should not take sides just yet.

"Right now, we would be wise as people in the media to let a few more facts play out here and then make whatever judgment you're going to make. Because the claims on both sides are pretty desperate right now.
"You know, there's a long gulf in between, and if the truth lies in the middle there, maybe you can make the judgment. And certainly, if the truth is on one side or the other, then that becomes a pretty easy judgment."

Does Michael Oher still have a relationship with the Tuohy family?

Michael Oher, now 37, had never gone through a formal adoption process, something he claims he was led to believe his entire life. Oher revealed that he became aware of the conservatorship in February.

He also alleged that the Tuohys and their children have secured a $225,000 deal with 20th Century Fox, with Oher receiving 2.5 percent of all net proceeds.

The attorney for Oher, Debbie Branan, is listed for contract and payment notices. Oher said that during the Tuohys' 19-year conservatorship, there was no financial accountability for any possible gains.

AFC Championship - Baltimore Ravens v New England Patriots
AFC Championship - Baltimore Ravens v New England Patriots

Oher's court brief includes a request for an injunction to prevent the Tuohy family from using his name and likeness in their commercial and charitable endeavors. It also has a claim for unpaid compensation.

Michael Oher and his mother attended a conservatorship hearing, with legal professionals stating that it had no basis other than Oher's consent. Oher was a legal adult without mental illnesses or intellectual disabilities. The family argued Oher had to integrate to attend Ole Miss and avoid an NCAA investigation.

Steve Farese, one of the Tuohy family lawyers, said:

“We’re talking about a family trying to help someone in need. The Tuohys never controlled any of Mr. Oher’s contracts. They don’t need his money. They’ve never needed his money. Mr. Tuohy sold his company for $220 million."

The Tuohy family is set to appear in court next week, and the interrogatories filed by Oher's legal team may reveal the Tuohy family's financial gain from 'The Blind Side'.

How much money did 'The Blind Side' make?

The Blind Side was based on Michael Oher's real-life story. The Warner Bros. movie starred Sandra Bullock and Quinton Aaron. Oher claims that the Touhy family received 2.5 percent of the proceeds from the movie and an additional $225,000. The Blind Side reportedly earned more than $300 million.

More: Auburn HC Hugh Freeze finally comments on the unfortunate Michael Oher situation and expresses his love for the Tuohy family: "I think it's sad"

Quick Links

Edited by Akshay Saraswat
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications