Eight teenagers from a Philadelphia youth football team were arrested in Florida on felony charges after allegedly stealing nearly $2,300 in merchandise from a Dick’s Sporting Goods store just hours before their championship game.
The players, aged 14 to 15 and members of the United Thoroughbreds, had traveled from Pennsylvania to Polk County, where authorities say they took 47 items Saturday morning. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized the teens online, saying, “They picked the wrong state — and the wrong county.”
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the teens reportedly used Uber to reach the store, then worked in pairs to conceal merchandise in bags and clothing before leaving. At a press briefing, Judd unrolled a receipt listing all stolen items and nicknamed the group the “Thoroughbred Thieves.”
All eight suspects declined to comment and had no prior criminal records. Their arrests prevented them from participating in their championship game, which the United Thoroughbreds lost 26-6 to the Cocoa Tigers.
The teenagers now face charges of retail theft over $750 and conspiracy to commit retail theft, both felonies. They are required to return to Florida from Pennsylvania to answer the charges.