NHL player Jack Johnson declares bankruptcy after parents squander $15m in his name

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman owes more than $10million in debts

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Ice hockey player Jack Johnson has blamed his parents for leading him "financially astray" after he filed for bankruptcy despite amassing $18million (£11.5m) during his nine-year NHL career.

The Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman, according to the Columbus Dispatch, handed his mother, Tina, power of attorney before signing a seven year, $30.5m deal with the Los Angeles Kings in 2011, giving her full control of his finances.

Johnson claims that Tina and his father, Jack Sr, bought a house in California with his money but without his knowledge, as well as borrowing $15m against his future earnings.

Many of the loans carried high interest rates, according to the report, ultimately leading Johnson to default.

In a report filed by the player, who is set to earn $5m with the Blue Jackets this season, Johnson claims that he has assets of less than $50,000 (£32,000) and debts of more than $10m.

"I'd say I picked the wrong people who led me down the wrong path," Johnson told The Dispatch last week. "I've got people in place who are going to fix everything now. It's something I should have done a long time ago."

According to the report, Johnson's parents also spent money on cards, more than $800,000 on upgrades to the house and travel costs to see their son play.