The Tuohys: Reflections on Enabling and Empowerment

Devastated Tuohys Ready to End Conservatorship for Michael Oher, Lawyers Say

The Background

In a recent development, a prominent Memphis couple, Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, who have had a longstanding relationship with former NFL player Michael Oher, are seeking to end the conservatorship that Oher is challenging in court. The Tuohys intend to enter into a consent order to terminate the conservatorship, as confirmed by their lawyer, Randall Fishman. This comes after Oher filed a petition in a Tennessee probate court, accusing the Tuohys of deceitfully having him sign papers designating them as his conservators instead of his adoptive parents nearly two decades ago.

Oher, now 37, is demanding a full accounting of his assets, claiming that his life story, which inspired the Oscar-nominated movie “The Blind Side,” has generated millions of dollars, none of which he has received. He alleges that the Tuohys misrepresented themselves as his adoptive parents and that he only discovered the true nature of the conservatorship, which provides no familial relationship, in February 2023. Oher further asserts that the Tuohys profited from his trust in them.

The Tuohys‘ Defense

On the other hand, the Tuohys‘ attorneys contend that Oher was well aware that he had not been adopted. Fishman highlights instances in Oher’s first book, “I Beat The Odds: From Homeless to The Blind Side,” where Oher mentions the Tuohys being his conservators. The attorneys also state that Oher and the Tuohys have been estranged for around a decade. Steve Farese, another attorney representing the Tuohys, argues that over the past decade, Oher has become increasingly vocal and threatening, causing distress to the Tuohy family.

The Tuohys firmly dismiss the allegations as an extortion attempt, criticizing Oher for involving the court in what they perceive as a personal matter. In a statement released by their lawyers, the Tuohys reveal that Oher had threatened to plant a negative news story about them unless they paid him $15 million before filing the court petition. Oher’s lawyers have not yet responded to requests for comment.

The Adoption vs. Conservatorship Debate

Oher’s claims center around the discrepancy between his understanding that the conservatorship was a form of adoption and the Tuohys‘ insistence that it was a necessary arrangement to satisfy NCAA concerns. According to Fishman, adoption was the intention, but the Tuohys opted for conservatorship as it provided a quicker resolution to the NCAA’s concerns about favoritism. Oher alleges that he was “falsely advised” about the nature of the legal arrangement and accuses the Tuohys of having him sign the paperwork almost immediately after he moved in.

The Financial Aspect

Oher seeks not only a reevaluation of his assets but also sanctions against the Tuohys and compensation for the damages he claims to have suffered. His petition calls for him to be paid what he believes he is due, along with interest. The Tuohys counter that Oher received his fair share from the movie adaptation of “The Blind Side.” While they admit to receiving a small advance payment tied to the film’s production, they explain that it was only a fraction of the net profits, which were divided equally among a group that included Oher. They estimate that each party received $100,000, and taxes on Oher’s portion were paid by the Tuohys.

The authenticity of the Tuohys‘ claims is supported by checks for profit participation and studio accounting statements, according to Martin Singer, an attorney for the Tuohys. Their assertion is further reinforced by the fact that Sandra Bullock won an Oscar for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy, which indicates the film’s commercial success.

The Intent Behind the Conservatorship

The Tuohys state that they established the conservatorship to assist Oher with practical matters such as health insurance, obtaining a driver’s license, and securing college admission. In Tennessee, a conservatorship typically entails removing decision-making power from a person who may have a medical condition or disability. Oher questions the necessity of his conservatorship, as he claims not to have had any diagnosed physical or psychological disabilities when it was approved, even though he was over 18 years old.

An Analysis of the Case

This distressing dispute between Michael Oher and the Tuohys presents a complex legal and ethical quandary. At its core lies the question of whether the Tuohys indeed acted improperly in their role as conservators or whether Oher’s claims are unfounded and fueled by strained personal relationships.

It is disheartening to witness the fallout of what was once a heartwarming story of kindness and opportunity. Oher’s journey from homelessness to NFL success, as showcased in “The Blind Side,” captivated audiences and fostered hope for social mobility through benevolence. However, the current dispute threatens to overshadow and taint that narrative, exposing potential underlying troubles within the Tuohy-Oher relationship.

The Philosophical Implications

At the heart of this dispute lies an exploration of the balance between enabling and empowering. The Tuohys‘ decision to pursue a conservatorship, whether motivated by genuine concern or ulterior motives, raises questions about the extent to which individuals should intervene in the lives of others for their supposed benefit. While conservatorships often serve genuine purposes, such as protecting vulnerable individuals, they can also be seen as a mechanism to exert control and influence.

Similarly, Oher’s claims, if proven valid, present a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and informed consent in legal matters. The signifi-