Report: Beanie Wells target of extortion

Former Arizona Cardinals running back Beanie Wells was targeted by two men who now face federal extortion charges, Eric Heisig of Cleveland.com reports.

Wells allegedly had his life threatened in a coercion attempt by Patrick Griffin and Franklin Conley, who were trying to recoup financial losses stemming from a drug deal gone wrong. The Mexican drug dealer they lost money to was someone they met through Wells' brother.

The two men called and texted Wells, threatening him while demanding between $65,000 and $175,000, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Wells knew both men and claims both "were drug dealers and have violent reputations."

Out of the NFL since 2012, Wells spent four seasons with the Cardinals after being drafted with the 31st pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. He now resides in Columbus, Ohio and works as a radio host.