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Michael Oher, former NFL tackle known for 'The Blind Side,' sues to end conservatorship

Ex-NFL player alleges Sean, Leigh Anne Tuohy lied to him by having him sign papers making them his conservators instead of adoptive parents
Michael Oher holds No. 1 Baltimore Ravens jersey after becoming No. 26 pick in 2009 NFL Draft as Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy stand by his side
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Michael Oher, the former NFL tackle known for the movie "The Blind Side," filed a petition Monday in a Tennessee probate court accusing Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy of lying to him by having him sign papers making them his conservators rather than his adoptive parents nearly two decades ago.

In the petition filed Monday in Shelby County Probate Court, Oher asks for the conservatorship to be terminated along with asking for a full accounting of the money earned off the use of his name and story.

He also asks to be paid what he is due along with interest. Oher, who has never been a fan of the movie of his life, also asks in the petition that the Tuohys be sanctioned and required to pay both compensatory and punitive damages determined by the court.

ESPN.com first reported the petition.

Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Michael Oher speaks to media, April 20, 2015
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Michael Oher speaks to the media during the first day of the team's offseason conditioning program, April 20, 2015, in Charlotte, N.C.

Steve Farese, a lawyer for the Tuohys, told The Associated Press that they will file an answer to the allegations in court but he declined to comment further. He was among three attorneys who served on behalf of the Tuohys on Monday.

Leigh Anne Tuohy did not immediately respond to an email sent to her personal website.

The movie was nominated for an Oscar, and Sandra Bullock won the Academy Award for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy.

Sandra Bullock accepts best actress Oscar for 'The Blind Side' in 2010
Sandra Bullock accepts the Oscar for best actress in a leading role for "The Blind Side" at the 82nd Academy Awards, Sunday, March 7, 2010, in Los Angeles.

In the petition, Oher said he only learned in February that the Tuohys remain his conservators.

Oher accuses the Tuohys of never trying to take legal action to assume custody from the Tennessee Department of Human Services before he turned 18. The conservatorship paperwork was filed Aug. 4, 2004 — after Oher turned 18 in May of that year.

He was the 23rd overall pick in the 2009 draft out of Mississippi, and he spent his first five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He wound up playing eight NFL seasons, including 2014 when he started 11 games for the Tennessee Titans. Oher finished his career with two years in Carolina.

Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Michael Oher sits on sideline during Super Bowl 50
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Michael Oher watches from the bench during the second half of Super Bowl 50, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif.

He started 110 career games and won a Super Bowl with the Ravens. He also finished second in the voting to Percy Harvin of Minnesota for The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after starting all 16 games his first season at right tackle.

Oher, who turned 37 in May, last played in the NFL in 2016 before being released in 2017 by Carolina.

Nearly two years ago, supporters cheered when Britney Spears was freed from her conservatorship. The ruling came after Spears publicly demanded the end of the arrangement, which had prevented her from making her own medical, financial and personal decisions since 2008.

Spears' high-profile battle put a spotlight on efforts advocates across the United States have launched raising questions that such strict controls result in more harm than protection.