Eight Philadelphia teenagers are back home after being charged with felonies in Polk County, Florida, following an incident where they allegedly stole over $2,000 worth of merchandise from a Dick’s Sporting Goods store. The teens were in Florida to compete in a youth football championship when the theft occurred.
Raekwon Bynes, the offensive coordinator for the Olney-based United Thoroughbreds, spoke with NBC10 Investigators about the situation. He expressed disappointment in the teens’ actions and underscored the importance of accountability and discipline. Bynes, who has been coaching for six years, mentioned that his team prioritizes values like prayer and education alongside their athletic commitments.
Bynes recounted the moment he realized something was amiss. He went to wake the boys for prayer and discovered that eight of them were missing from their beds. Shortly after, he received a phone call asking for his assistance at Dick’s Sporting Goods, which turned out to be a distressing situation. Upon his arrival, he learned that Polk County Sheriff’s deputies had apprehended the teens for allegedly stealing numerous items from the store.
Sheriff Grady Judd provided insight during a press conference, releasing surveillance footage that purportedly shows the teens engaging in the theft. He expressed dismay at their actions, emphasizing the extent of the theft with a blunt statement about the repeated nature of their activities.
Despite Bynes’ pleas for leniency from law enforcement and the store owner, the teens now face felony retail theft charges. He expressed hope that they would learn from the incident, recognizing that their actions have wider repercussions not just for themselves but for their teammates and community as well.
Due to their legal troubles, the teens were unable to participate in the championship game scheduled for that Saturday night, which the Thoroughbreds ultimately lost. After the game, Bynes and the coaching staff returned to Philadelphia with the remaining players. He noted the difficulty of communication with the arrested teens, observing that they were likely grappling with their own disappointment and shame.
The timeline for their next court date in Florida remains unclear. In the aftermath, Bynes confirmed that the teens would no longer be part of the team—not only because they had aged out but also as a direct consequence of their behavior. The incident has raised concerns within the community, emphasizing the vital need for personal responsibility among young athletes.
