I would be pissed if it happened to me. Guy rips you off, then gets success. I would hold a grudge.
Having no knowlege of the dude, I can at least say the following.
If he is NFL, then he has money and respect; he doesn't wanna lose that. Ask him for the money back plus interest. Don't threaten or blackmail -- that's illegal. Asking isn't.
"Hi, you ripped me off. I want my money back with interest and an apology."
If he declines bring your case with evidence (emails, et c) to the media. T
Pro: He is in checkmate
Con: You risk exposing yourself
Note: It is blackmail if you threaten to do this, but if he has half a monkey brain, he'll notice that he has a good amount to lose.
By the way BigAndy, I don't hold a grudge against you. I just wonder...