Analyzing the Strategic Coordination and Methods Used by the Teen Football Players in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Theft
Eight members of a Philadelphia youth football team, the United Thoroughbreds, were arrested and charged with felony retail theft in Florida after allegedly stealing over $2,000 worth of merchandise from a Dick’s Sporting Goods store. The teenagers, aged 14 to 15, had traveled from Pennsylvania to Polk County, Florida, to participate in the Prolifix Nationals tournament. The incident, which took place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, resulted in the juveniles being detained by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, costing them the opportunity to play in their scheduled championship game later that day.
The immediate impact of the alleged theft was the disruption of the tournament and the swift action by law enforcement. Deputies were called to the Dick’s Sporting Goods in Davenport, Florida, after the store manager observed multiple juveniles concealing merchandise. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed the group of eight teens working together, splitting into two groups, to commit the theft. The teens allegedly stole 47 items, including hoodies, football gloves, and lip guards, totaling $2,296.07 in value. Law enforcement was able to detain the suspects, who were then transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.
The strategic execution of the alleged theft involved a clear attempt to deceive store security. According to the Sheriff’s Office, one of the teens made a legitimate purchase near the front of the store and then met up with the others, using the newly acquired Dick’s Sporting Goods bag. The other teenagers proceeded to place the stolen merchandise inside this bag. Three teens attempted to walk out of the store with the bag, while five others were detained inside. The collaborative nature of the crime led to the formal charging of all eight teens with two felonies each: retail theft over $750 and conspiracy to commit retail theft.
Looking ahead, the future outlook for the eight teens is a complex legal process and a loss of standing within their community. All eight juveniles, none of whom reportedly have prior criminal arrest histories, will have their cases referred to the state attorney’s office and will be required to return to Florida from Philadelphia to face the felony charges. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd made a statement emphasizing that the teens, whom he dubbed “Thoroughbred Thieves,” would be held accountable for breaking the law, regardless of their status as visiting athletes. The greater consequence remains the missed championship opportunity and the long term impact these felony charges may have on their young lives.