Former Falcon Brooking sued for $2 million

Former Atlanta Falcons star Keith Brooking owes nearly $2 million to Wells Fargo for loans he never repaid, a lawsuit filed in federal court alleges. But a representative for Brooking says there is no truth to the allegations.

Brooking, now a Dallas Cowboys linebacker, allegedly secured two loans from the bank in August 2008 totaling more than $2 million, according to the lawsuit, a copy of which was obtained by the AJC. But as of January, Brooking still owed the bank $1,996,224.73, plus accruing interest, late fees, attorneys' fees and costs, the suit states.

Wells Fargo contends the football player has attempted to shift assets to avoid repaying the loan, according to the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Atlanta. Brooking's wife, Holly, is also named in the suit.

"Upon information and belief, beginning in 2008, K. Brooking realized he would not be able to meet his obligations to his creditors, including Wells Fargo. K. Brooking therefore acted to fraudulently transfer his individual wealth and assets, including, but not limited to, transferring real property located in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina to insiders," the suit states.

Reached by the AJC, Brooking referred questions to his agent, Pat Dye Jr., who said the allegations are not true.

"There is absolutely no evidence whatsoever to support Wells Fargo’s allegations that Keith transferred any properties to fraudulently conceal assets," Dye told the AJC by telephone. "He is absolutely, fiercely defending himself in this lawsuit."

Brooking, 36, grew up in Coweta County and played football at Georgia Tech before being drafted by the Falcons in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection during his 11 seasons with the Falcons. He joined the Cowboys in 2009 as a free agent after he and the Falcons did not reach agreement on a new contract.