Boston Red Sox Legend David Ortiz Wins Fraud Lawsuit After Charity Exploited Sick Kids — Boston Protects Its True Champion
Boston, MA — David Ortiz has always been defined by compassion and perseverance. From clutch hitting to community icon, Ortiz became the heartbeat of the Boston Red Sox during his legendary career. Yet even with his MLB accolades and Hall of Fame–worthy statistics, Ortiz insists his greatest victories have been off the field.
As founder of "The HEARTest Yard Foundation," Ortiz has spent years raising millions to support children and families battling congenital heart disease — inspired by his son, T.J. His foundation has funded hospital wings, family assistance programs, and pediatric research across Massachusetts, earning him the reputation of one of the MLB’s most charitable figures.
That mission came under threat when a partnering charity, supposedly dedicated to children’s cardiac care, was exposed for misusing donations collected in Ortiz’s name. Funds meant to pay for hospital equipment and family support services were redirected toward personal luxuries and inflated salaries. Ortiz refused to stay silent.
Auditors revealed that less than half of the donations ever reached the intended hospitals — a devastating betrayal of trust. Determined to protect the children and families he advocates for, Ortiz filed a lawsuit for misappropriation of charitable funds, demanding that every stolen dollar be restored to its rightful purpose.
The Boston Red Sox organization stood by him from day one — assisting with legal teams, financial records, and public transparency. Their stance was clear: the Red Sox protect their legends, especially when they fight for others.
The court’s ruling overwhelmingly favored Ortiz. The fraudulent executives were ordered to pay over $2 million in restitution, banned from nonprofit management for at least a decade, and all recovered funds were redirected to pediatric care programs supported by The HEARTest Yard.
Ortiz refused any personal compensation, ensuring that every cent returned would directly benefit children and families in need — the same people who shaped his mission and inspired his purpose.
With years of leadership both on the field and in the community, David Ortiz has proven that his legacy isn’t measured in home runs — but in the lives he’s changed.
Tonight, Red Sox fans celebrate more than a courtroom victory. They celebrate a protector — one who never stopped fighting for others, whether against pitchers on the field or those who prey on the vulnerable.
David Ortiz remains the heart of the Boston Red Sox — forever rooted in service, forever a champion.
Vikings Activate Key Players Ahead of Week 9 Clash with Lions
As the Minnesota Vikings get ready for their Week 9 matchup with the Detroit Lions, the team has activated cornerback Fabian Moreau and tight end Nick Vannett from the practice squad to the active roster, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Moreau brings a decade of NFL experience to the Minnesota secondary. Originally a third-round pick of the Washington Commanders in 2017, he completed a four-year, $3.33 million rookie contract that included an $825,392 signing bonus.
After playing briefly for the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, New York Giants practice squad, and Denver Broncos, the 31-year-old joined the Vikings practice squad in July 2025. This season, he has appeared in a single game and participated in three defensive plays, stepping in as the team’s emergency sixth cornerback for Sunday’s matchup.
Meanwhile, Vannett joined Minnesota’s practice squad on October 9, and the team has used him sparingly, recording just four offensive snaps this season.
The elevation of both players follows the placement of quarterback Carson Wentz on injured reserve after a season-ending left shoulder injury. Wentz had led the Vikings to a 2–3 record while starting in the absence of J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy, Minnesota’s 2024 first-round pick, is back from a high right ankle sprain suffered in Week 2. After missing six games, he has fully resumed practice and will start against Detroit, with rookie Max Brosmer serving as QB2 and veteran John Wolford providing additional depth.
McCarthy’s return comes at an inflection point in the Vikings’, as Minnesota seeks to recover from a 3-4 start and a 37-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8. During that game, Wentz went 15-for-27 for 144 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
The Vikings’ rushing attack failed to make an impact, with Zavier Scott gaining just 16 yards on two carries, while Justin Jefferson caught seven passes for 74 yards and Jordan Addison scored the team’s only touchdown with three receptions for 26 yards.
Minnesota faces a Lions team sporting a 5-2 record and coming off a 24-9 Week 7 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A loss would drop the Vikings to 3-5 and widen the divisional gap, while a win would improve them to 4-4 and keep the NFC North race alive.
