Michael Oher sues to end Tuohys' conservatorship

Former NFL tackle Michael Oher, known for the movie "The Blind Side," has filed a petition accusing his adoptive parents of lying to him and seeking a full accounting of the money earned from his name and story. He also asks to be paid what he is due, along with interest, and for the Tuohys to be sanctioned and required to pay damages. Oher wants the conservatorship to be terminated.

Former NFL tackle Michael Oher, known for his portrayal in the movie "The Blind Side," has filed a petition in a Tennessee probate court accusing Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy of deceiving him by having him sign papers designating them as his conservators instead of his adoptive parents almost 20 years ago.

In the petition submitted to Shelby County Probate Court, Oher requests the termination of the conservatorship and a full account of the money earned from the use of his name and story.

He also demands to be paid what he is owed, including interest. Additionally, Oher, who has expressed his dislike for the movie about his life, asks that the Tuohys be penalized and required to pay compensatory and punitive damages as determined by the court.

The petition was first reported by ESPN.com.

Steve Farese, an attorney for the Tuohys, stated that they will respond to the allegations in court but declined to provide further comment. Three attorneys, including Farese, were served on behalf of the Tuohys on Monday.

Leigh Anne Tuohy did not immediately respond to an email sent to her personal website.

"The Blind Side" was nominated for an Oscar, and Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy.

In the petition, Oher claims that he only became aware in February that the Tuohys still hold the conservatorship over him.

Oher accuses the Tuohys of never attempting to legally gain custody from the Tennessee Department of Human Services before he turned 18. The conservatorship paperwork was filed on August 4, 2004, after Oher had turned 18 in May of that year.

Oher was selected as the 23rd overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft from the University of Mississippi. He played his first five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and went on to have an eight-season NFL career, including starting 11 games for the Tennessee Titans in 2014. Oher concluded his career with two years in Carolina.

He started in 110 career games and won a Super Bowl with the Ravens. In his rookie season, he finished second in the voting for The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, losing to Percy Harvin of the Minnesota Vikings.

Oher, who turned 37 in May, last played in the NFL in 2016 before being released by the Carolina Panthers in 2017.

Nearly two years ago, there was widespread celebration when Britney Spears was released from her conservatorship. The decision came after Spears publicly demanded an end to the arrangement, which had restricted her from making her own medical, financial, and personal decisions since 2008.

Spears' highly publicized battle shed light on the concerns raised by advocates across the United States, questioning whether such strict controls do more harm than protection.

This article includes reporting contributions from Associated Press Writer Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee.