by Davenport, Florida — Eight members of the United Thoroughbreds U-14 football team from Philadelphia were arrested for allegedly stealing over $2,000 in merchandise from Dick’s Sporting Goods while in Florida for the Prolifix Nationals tournament, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred on December 6, just hours before the team’s scheduled championship game. Sheriff’s officials condemned both the players and the team’s coach for failing to uphold accountability.
Details of the Alleged Theft
The juveniles reportedly took an Uber to the store in Davenport, Florida shortly before 11 a.m.. Security footage captured them entering the store and stuffing items into a bag.
15-year-old Marcus Hudgens reportedly purchased a checkout item to obtain a store bag, which he and other teens used to conceal stolen merchandise. Other participants included:
- Daimon Johnson, 15
- Mark Bryan, 15
- Ibn Mahdee Abdul Haqq, 14
- Elijah Myers, 14
- Tymir Speller, 15
- Tymir Smith, 14
- Jacob Scott, 15
Items allegedly stolen included a $135 Nike hoodie, $125 Nike women’s running jacket, two $110 Under Armour hoodies, and two $70 football gloves. In total, 47 items valued at $2,296.07 were reportedly taken.
Arrests and Charges
After attempting to exit the store, deputies apprehended Abdul Haqq and Bryan carrying the stolen bag, while the remaining teens were located inside the store. Some were found attempting to hide merchandise in backpacks or down their pants, including Speller, who allegedly concealed a stolen beanie.
All eight juveniles face third-degree felony Retail Theft over $750 and third-degree felony Conspiracy to Commit Retail Theft. They were taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center and missed their championship game, which was won 26-6 by Florida’s Cocoa Tigers U-14.
Sheriff Criticizes Team Coach
During the arrests, the team’s coach, Raekwon Bynes, reportedly pleaded with deputies and store staff to release the players, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.
“The coach who is responsible for them, you’d think he would be interested in holding them accountable… instead, he goes to the deputies and begs them not to take these young men into custody,” Judd said.
“Oh, don’t arrest them, drop the charges, let them go,” the coach allegedly said.
Judd called the coach the “ultimate loser”, stressing that theft is taken seriously in Polk County, Florida, regardless of the perpetrators’ hometown or age.
“They were not taking bubblegum, one piece to chew. They stole over $2,000 worth of products,” Judd added.
“You chose to be arrested and that’s the way it is. And for the coach, you’re way off base here, buddy. Way off base.”
Community and Legal Impact
The arrests highlight concerns about youth accountability, supervision during out-of-state tournaments, and the consequences of theft. Authorities hope the case serves as a lesson for other traveling sports teams.
Should youth sports teams face stricter supervision and legal accountability when traveling for competitions?
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