Former Notre Dame All-American and Chicago Bears defensive tackle Chris Zorich will have to pay the state of Illinois nearly $350,000 in unaccounted for funds from The Chris Zorich Charitable Foundation, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Unemployed, Zorich will have to use his deferred compensation from his NFL days to begin payments, the paper reported.
The Tribune reported in 2010 that the Foundation didn't have bank statements for the charity's unspent funds.
"He takes responsibility for the situation," Zorich's attorney, Matt Lydon of Winston and Strawn told the Trib. "He's committed to putting this difficulty behind him."
The Tribune reported that Zorich -- through his lawyer and a decree agreed upon by Zorich and the state -- maintains that he did not misuse any funds. He reportedly will pay back the state $348,447 in monthly payments over seven years. The money will be set aside to help underprivileged Chicago students attending Notre Dame, the mission of the charity, according to the paper.
Zorich, 43, was an All-American on Notre Dame's undefeated 1988 championship season. The Bears drafted him in the second round in 1991 and he played six of his seven NFL seasons in Chicago. He went on to earn a law degree from Notre Dame.
He was known for his charitable endeavors during and after his career.
