Philadelphia Youth Football Team Members Busted for Stealing from Sporting Goods Store
Eight teenagers, all part of a Philadelphia-based youth football team, are facing felony charges after allegedly stealing nearly $2,300 worth of merchandise from a Dick's Sporting Goods store in Florida. The teens, aged 14-15, were arrested on Saturday at the store by local authorities and subsequently charged with theft over $750 and conspiracy to commit theft.
According to investigators, the group of teens entered the store separately before meeting up and combining their purchases into one bag. Some items were stuffed into a player's backpack, highlighting the brazen nature of the crime. Three of the teens were apprehended after leaving the premises with the stolen goods, while others were arrested inside the store.
The youth football team members had been in Florida to participate in the Prolifix Nationals tournament but were unable to play in the championship game due to their arrest. The teens have all declined to provide statements and do not have prior criminal histories, but they will still face felony charges stemming from the incident.
Surveillance footage obtained by authorities shows the group's coordinated effort, suggesting a level of planning that goes beyond a typical case of youthful mischief. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen whether any additional charges will be brought against the team or its members.
Eight teenagers, all part of a Philadelphia-based youth football team, are facing felony charges after allegedly stealing nearly $2,300 worth of merchandise from a Dick's Sporting Goods store in Florida. The teens, aged 14-15, were arrested on Saturday at the store by local authorities and subsequently charged with theft over $750 and conspiracy to commit theft.
According to investigators, the group of teens entered the store separately before meeting up and combining their purchases into one bag. Some items were stuffed into a player's backpack, highlighting the brazen nature of the crime. Three of the teens were apprehended after leaving the premises with the stolen goods, while others were arrested inside the store.
The youth football team members had been in Florida to participate in the Prolifix Nationals tournament but were unable to play in the championship game due to their arrest. The teens have all declined to provide statements and do not have prior criminal histories, but they will still face felony charges stemming from the incident.
Surveillance footage obtained by authorities shows the group's coordinated effort, suggesting a level of planning that goes beyond a typical case of youthful mischief. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen whether any additional charges will be brought against the team or its members.
. They had an opportunity to participate in a great tournament and instead chose to steal from a store. It's not just about the money, it's about what this teaches them about accountability and responsibility. I hope they learn from their mistake and use this as a chance to grow and make better choices.
. As a parent, it's our job to guide and mentor our kids, especially when they're involved in sports and have access to more privileges than others. It's not just about winning or losing, but about how we behave on and off the field.
. How could this have happened in the first place? It's not just about punishing the kids, but also about making sure these types of incidents don't happen again.
and it's even crazier that they were in florida for a tournament and just decided to steal from the store while there... did they think no one would notice or something? 
also, why do some of them have backpacks with stuff and others are caught inside the store? was it like a pre-planned heist or what? 
and felony charges for stealing $2k? that's harsh, but i guess you gotta hold them accountable... 
It's not just about the money, it's about having respect for the law and other people's property. These kids were supposed to be role models on that football team, now they're letting everyone down... I feel bad for the store owners, but at the same time, these teens are lucky they're facing felony charges instead of jail time. 