Davenport, FL – On Sunday, December 7, 2025, eight juvenile members of the United Thoroughbreds youth football team from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were arrested at a Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Davenport for felony retail theft. The arrests resulted in the juveniles missing their scheduled championship game later that day, according to the sheriff’s office.
The juveniles, ages 14–17, were in Polk County to participate in the Prolific Nationals youth football tournament.
Deputies responded to the store after loss-prevention personnel observed the group selecting large quantities of merchandise, concealing it, and leaving without payment. The total value of stolen items from three separate transactions was $2,296.07.
Stolen merchandise consisted primarily of athletic apparel, football gloves, mouthguards, hoodies, joggers, beanies, and protective equipment from brands including Nike, Under Armour, Carhartt, Battle Sports, Shock Doctor, Jordan, Adidas, and Oakley.
The team’s head coach, Raekwon Bynes, 29, of Philadelphia, responded to the store and confirmed the juveniles were part of his team and were staying in Davenport for the tournament. Parents of all eight juveniles were notified.
All eight suspects were read their Miranda rights and declined to provide statements. None had prior criminal history in Philadelphia, according to the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center.
The juveniles were transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center in Bartow and charged with:
- Retail Theft over $750 (Felony 3rd Degree)
- Conspiracy to Commit Retail Theft over $750 (Felony 3rd Degree)
Due to their arrests, the eight juveniles were unable to participate in the scheduled championship game.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated: “These juveniles were not from Polk County, they came here from out of state for a football tournament, and instead of representing their team with pride, they chose to commit a crime. Let this be clear: it doesn’t matter if you’re from here or visiting, if you break the law in Polk County, you will be arrested and held accountable.”
The investigation is ongoing. Nothing further at this time.
Source: Polk County Sheriff’s Office
