‘We’re Your Worst Enemy’: Florida Sheriff Lays Down The Law On Philly Teens Accused Of Robbing Store

Eight members of a Philadelphia youth football team, the United Thoroughbreds, were arrested in Polk County, Florida, after allegedly stealing merchandise from a Dick’s Sporting Goods store while in town for the Prolifix Sportz National Championship.

The teens, all ages 14–15, had traveled from Philadelphia to Davenport for the title game against the Coco Tigers. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the group Ubered to the store on the morning of December 6 and carried out a “systematic” theft involving 47 items valued at more than $2,200.

Sheriff Grady Judd said the teens split into two groups: one boy bought a single item to obtain a Dick’s shopping bag, while the others selected items to steal. The buyer then met the rest of the group inside, and they filled the bag with stolen merchandise, including hoodies, gloves, and football accessories.

Store staff watched the alleged thefts unfold in real time on surveillance cameras and notified law enforcement. Judd emphasized that “you can’t go anyplace that you’re not on camera,” noting that the group appeared to believe they were getting away with it.

When deputies detained the teens, their coach, Raekwon (Raynone) Bynes, 29, arrived at the store and reportedly pleaded with officers not to arrest them. He then attempted to persuade the store manager not to press charges.

According to Judd, the coach dismissed the seriousness of the alleged crime and asked deputies, “Don’t you have anything better to do?” The sheriff criticized Bynes for failing to hold the teens accountable and for allowing them to leave their lodging unsupervised. Parents were contacted following the arrests.

“I don’t know if these all were starters or not,” Judd commented. “But I can tell you that we were finishers. We arrested them. We took them to the Juvenile Assessment Center. And we put them in lockup.” 

“I don’t know how you do things in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,” he remarked. “But in Polk County, Florida, we lock you up for stealing for being a thief. … We didn’t choose to arrest you. You chose to be arrested. And that’s the way it is.”

“And for the coach, you’re way off base here, buddy,” he declared. “Way off base. You’re the ultimate loser. If you’d been coaching these kids upright, if you knew where they were, if you didn’t allow them to Uber away, they would have played in a ball game Saturday night.”

All eight teens were charged with felony retail theft (over $750) and conspiracy to commit retail theft, then transported to a juvenile detention facility. Though later released, they will be required to return to Florida to face the charges. Authorities said none of the juveniles had prior records.

Judd publicly identified the suspects during a press conference, adding that their actions likely cost the Thoroughbreds their championship opportunity. With eight players jailed, the team lost the title game 26–6 to the undefeated Coco Tigers. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also commented, saying the group had “picked the wrong state — and the wrong county.”

They picked the wrong state — and the wrong county. https://t.co/NexPk1Zvux

— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) December 9, 2025

Sheriff Judd contrasted the disciplined, successful Coco Tigers with the arrested teens, stressing that Polk County has a zero-tolerance policy for theft. “If you don’t steal, we’re your new best friends,” he said. “If you steal, we’re your worst enemy. Merry Christmas.”