Ex-Detroit Lion, Restaurant Owner Charged With Tax Fraud: AG

DETROIT — A former Detroit Lions player and restaurant owner is facing tax fraud, according to the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

Ronald Bartell, 44, of Detroit, was charged with five counts of failure to file, filing a false return, or failure to make a tax payment. Each count is a 5-year felony.

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Bartell owned and operated Kuzzo's Chicken and Waffles in Detroit from 2015 to 2026. As owner, officials said Bartell violated several state sales tax law.

The restaurant, which was located on Livernois Avenue, permanently closed down in February 2026. It was best known for soul food, including fried chicken with waffles, served with collard greens.

"Michigan businesses are expected to properly collect, report, and remit the sales tax they collect to the state Department of Treasury," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. "Sales tax revenue provides essential funding to our public schools and local governments. Businesses that cheat will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

Bartell, a Detroit native, played just part of the 2012 season with the Detroit Lions. He was selected in the second-round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams.