What was supposed to be a simple football trip to Florida for a group of Philadelphia teens took a dramatic twist.
Instead of focusing on the big championship game, eight members of the United Thoroughbreds youth team found themselves in handcuffs — and on the wrong side of the law — after a visit to a Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Davenport ended in felony charges.
A Sheriff Who Was Not Interested in Sugarcoating
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd didn’t hold back when he stepped up to the microphones on Monday.
Known for his blunt style, he openly criticized the group, calling out both their alleged behavior and the consequences it brought.
He even joked that he wasn’t sure whether any of them were starting players, “but we were finishers,” he said, taking a jab at the group for missing their championship game while they sat in custody.
Florida Officials Drive the Message Home
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also weighed in, seizing the moment to highlight the state’s tough-on-crime stance.
He shared a clip of Sheriff Judd’s press conference on X with a pointed comment, telling the world that the teens had picked the “wrong state — and the wrong county.”
How the Alleged Theft Played Out
According to investigators, the group operated with a plan.
One teen allegedly purchased an item the legitimate way, while the rest roamed the aisles gathering merchandise they reportedly had no intention of paying for.
The purchaser then circled back to link up with the others, who filled a store bag with hoodies, football gear, and accessories, authorities said — 47 items total, worth more than $2,200.
Cameras Caught Everything
What the teens didn’t realize, the sheriff said, was that employees were already watching the entire situation unfold through surveillance cameras.
Footage showed the group splitting up, grabbing items, and stuffing the store bag before heading toward the exit.
Sheriff Judd repeated his warning several times: in today’s world, “you can’t go anyplace, anytime that you’re not on camera.”
The Arrests That Changed the Weekend
Once deputies confronted the group inside the store, the situation unraveled quickly.
Their football coach rushed over, hoping to persuade officers to let the teens off the hook.
But deputies weren’t interested in pleas.
Sheriff Judd later remarked that trying to “beg them out of it” wasn’t the example young players needed.
Consequences on and off the Field
With all eight teens taken to a juvenile detention center — each facing two felony charges — their absence was immediately felt.
Their team still had to play the Prolifix Sportz National Championship game just hours later, ultimately losing 26–6.
Sheriff Judd didn’t hesitate to point out that the alleged theft may have cost the rest of the team their shot at the title.
No Criminal History but Serious Charges
Authorities noted that none of the teens had previous criminal records.
Still, the severity of the accusations means they will have to return to Florida from Pennsylvania to formally face the charges of felony retail theft over $750 and conspiracy to commit retail theft.
A Final Word from the Sheriff
Judd ended his remarks with a mix of stern warning and seasonal sarcasm.
“If you don’t steal, we’re your new best friends,” he said.
“If you steal, we’re your worst enemy. Merry Christmas.”
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