Eight Philadelphia teens were charged with felony theft after allegedly stealing more than $2,000 in merchandise from a Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Florida over the weekend. The incident occurred while the group was in Polk County for a youth football championship game, and the teenagers reportedly walked into the store in Davenport and attempted to leave with dozens of items.
The Incident
The teens were part of a youth football team from Olney, and they were traveling with their coaches to compete in the championship. During the trip, they entered a Dick’s Sporting Goods location in Davenport, Florida, and tried to take a large quantity of sports equipment without paying. Police reports indicate that the total value of the stolen goods exceeded $2,000.
Coach Raekwon Bynes Speaks
Raekwon Bynes, the offensive coordinator for the United Thoroughbreds, spoke exclusively with NBC10 on Tuesday about the situation. “We strive on discipline, prayer and schoolwork too,” Bynes said. He recalled receiving a phone call that read, “Hey coach, can you come get us from Dick Sporting Goods?” When he arrived, he found the teens in a state of disarray and that they had not slept in their beds. Bynes expressed deep disappointment, telling the deputies and store owner not to press charges, but the teens now face felony retail‑theft charges. “I just hope that they take this as a lesson learned, you know, and realize that like actions have consequences and actions also affect not just you but those around you,” Bynes said.
Law Enforcement Response
Polk County Sheriff deputies took the teens into custody and accused them of stealing more than $2,000 in sports merchandise. Sheriff Grady Judd released surveillance video that allegedly shows the teenagers committing the theft. “They stole, and they stole, and they stole, and they stole, and they stole,” Judd said at a press conference. “Yeah. How do you like that? This is everything that they stole.” The video and statements have been made public to confirm the allegations.
Legal and Team Consequences
The teens are now charged with felony retail‑theft and are awaiting a court date that has not yet been set. The case has also impacted the team’s roster, as the arrested players are no longer eligible to play in the championship game that was scheduled for Saturday night, which the Thoroughbreds ultimately lost. Bynes noted that the players are no longer on the team because they both aged out and as a consequence of their actions. After the game, Bynes and other coaches drove the remaining players back to Philadelphia, while the arrested teens returned home.
Key Takeaways
- Eight Philadelphia teens face felony charges after stealing over $2,000 from a Dick’s Sporting Goods in Florida.
- Coach Raekwon Bynes emphasized discipline, prayer, and schoolwork, urging the teens to learn from the incident.
- Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd released surveillance footage and publicly stated the theft amount.
The incident has highlighted the importance of accountability for young athletes, both on and off the field. While the teens have returned home, the legal process continues, and the football team must rebuild its roster after losing key players. The case serves as a reminder that actions in a moment can have lasting consequences for individuals and their communities.
