Florida officials have filed state grand theft charges against Amit Patel, a former Jacksonville Jaguars employee accused of stealing over $22 million from the team, according to state records. Patel, 32, is currently serving a six-and-a-half-year sentence in a South Carolina federal prison after pleading guilty in December 2023 to fraud and illegal financial transactions. He now faces six counts of grand theft in Florida, where theft exceeding $100,000 is considered a first-degree felony, carrying a potential prison term of up to 30 years.
Patel admitted to stealing from the Jaguars over a period of three and a half years while managing the team’s virtual credit card program. Federal prosecutors highlighted that Patel lived extravagantly, including taking lavish vacations and buying expensive watches and sports collectibles. The Jaguars subsequently filed a $66.6 million lawsuit against Patel in Florida State Court, which is still ongoing.
In July 2024, Patel also filed a federal lawsuit against FanDuel, accusing the sports betting company of exploiting his gambling addiction and neglecting responsible gaming and money laundering safeguards. Court documents reveal Patel transferred nearly $20 million to FanDuel. He stated he had been diagnosed with gambling disorder and claimed the operators preyed upon him. FanDuel declined to comment due to company policy on pending litigation.
A Jaguars spokesperson expressed gratitude toward the state’s pursuit of justice and emphasized the team’s commitment to continuing those efforts. Patel’s attorneys did not immediately respond to ESPN’s requests for comment.
Fan Take: This case serves as a stark reminder of the growing risks of financial crimes within professional sports organizations and the devastating impact such actions have on teams’ reputations and financial health. For NFL fans, it underscores the importance of transparency and integrity off the field, reinforcing the need for stricter oversight to protect the sport’s future.
