The story of Michael Oher, immortalized in the book and film "The Blind Side," has recently taken a surprising turn, raising questions about the nature of family, fame, and fortune. This article delves into the lives of Michael Oher and the Tuohy family, exploring the real-life events that inspired the movie and the legal battle that has emerged.
The Inspiration Behind "The Blind Side"
Michael Oher's journey from a troubled youth to a successful NFL player is a compelling narrative. Raised in a challenging environment with a mother struggling with addiction and a father who died in 2004, Oher found himself in and out of foster homes. His life took a positive turn when he began attending Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tennessee.
While at Briarcrest, Oher often stayed with classmates' families, as he was "on his own" and "nearly penniless." He occasionally stayed with the Tuohy family, who eventually invited him to move in with them during the summer of 2004. The Tuohy family's support and guidance played a pivotal role in Oher's development as a student and athlete.
Michael Oher's Football Career
Oher's athletic abilities earned him scholarship offers from several colleges. He ultimately chose to play football at the University of Mississippi, the alma mater of Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy. In 2009, he graduated with a degree in criminal justice.
That same year, Oher was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the NFL Draft. The Tuohy family was present to celebrate this momentous occasion. Oher's career included a Super Bowl victory with the Ravens in 2013. He later played for the Tennessee Titans and Carolina Panthers before retiring from professional football in 2017.
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The Tuohy Family
The Tuohy family, consisting of Sean, Leigh Anne, Collins, and Sean Jr., played a significant role in Michael Oher's life.
Sean Tuohy
Sean Tuohy, born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, attended the University of Mississippi, where he played basketball and met Leigh Anne. He is portrayed by Tim McGraw in "The Blind Side."
Leigh Anne Tuohy
Leigh Anne Tuohy, a motivational speaker, author, and interior designer, grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. She is portrayed by Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side," a role for which Bullock won an Oscar. Leigh Anne is also actively involved in the family's non-profit organization, Making It Happen Foundation.
Collins Tuohy
Collins Tuohy, daughter of Leigh Anne and Sean, serves on the Board of the Making It Happen Foundation. She married Cannon Smith in October 2016.
Sean Tuohy Jr. (SJ)
Sean Tuohy Jr., also known as SJ, is the son of Leigh Anne and Sean. He attended Loyola University Maryland and played on the school's basketball team. He later earned a master's degree from Southern Methodist University, where he also played football. SJ has held positions such as Assistant Athletic Director for Football Operations at Liberty Flames and Associate Athletic Director/Chief of Staff at the University of Central Florida. Currently, he serves as the Deputy Athletic Director for ORU Athletics.
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The Emergence of Legal Disputes
In August 2023, Michael Oher filed a legal petition alleging that the Tuohy family misled him into signing a conservatorship agreement when he was 18 years old, rather than adopting him as he believed. Oher claimed that the Tuohys benefited financially from the film "The Blind Side" without including him in the deal.
Oher's petition stated that he was "falsely advised by the Tuohys that because he was over the age of eighteen" at the time "the legal action to adopt Michael would have to be called a 'conservatorship' but it was for all intents and purposes, an adoption." He alleged that the Tuohys "have allowed Michael, specifically, and the public, generally, to believe that Conservators adopted Michael and have used that untruth to gain financial advantages for themselves and the foundations which they own or which they exercise control."
The Tuohys' Response
Sean Tuohy responded to the accusations by stating, "It's upsetting that people would think I would want to make money off any of my children." He claimed that lawyers advised him that a conservatorship was the only option since Oher was over 18. The Tuohys' lawyer, Martin Singer, called Oher's claims "outlandish" and "absurd," asserting that the Tuohys had always treated Oher like a son.
In their formal response, the Tuohys acknowledged providing Oher with shelter, food, clothing, and a car, but denied ever intending to adopt him legally. They argued that the conservatorship was established to enable Oher to play college football at Ole Miss, as the NCAA required him to be part of the Tuohy family in some fashion.
Regarding the movie's financial proceeds, the Tuohys stated that they received "something less than $225,000" and that the funds were divided equally among themselves, their two children, and Oher.
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Subsequent Legal Actions
In September 2023, a judge ordered the termination of Michael Oher's conservatorship. However, the legal proceedings continued.
In November 2023, the Tuohys filed accounting that indicated Michael received more than $138,000 from the 2006 book and movie through payments dating back to 2007. Oher filed a motion for a temporary injunction to prevent the Tuohys from using his name, image, and likeness commercially, alleging that they continued to falsely claim they had adopted him.
Further accusations emerged, with Oher claiming that the Tuohys had not accounted for $2.5 million that he believed was taken from him in 2011 while he was in the NFL. The Tuohys, in turn, alleged that Oher attempted to extort them through "menacing" texts.
As of August 2024, the Tuohys had filed to have some of the case claims dismissed, with a hearing scheduled for early October.
Oher's Perspective
Michael Oher has denied that his lawsuit was motivated by financial gain, stating, "I worked hard for that moment when I was done playing, and saved my money so I could enjoy the time. I've got millions of dollars. I'm fine."
The Impact of "The Blind Side"
The movie "The Blind Side" had a significant impact on the lives of the Oher and Tuohy families. It brought their story to a wide audience and generated considerable attention. However, the film also created challenges and complexities, particularly as Oher felt it misrepresented him as unintelligent.