Oct 28, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders talks with offensive tackle Kareem Harden (77) in the first half against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Police recover some items linked to Rose Bowl theft

Some of the possessions, including jewelry, that Colorado football players reported stolen after last weekend’s loss to UCLA at the Rose Bowl have been recovered, Pasadena, Calif., police said.

In a statement issued Friday, police said the recovered items had been returned to the players, but the search continues for the rest of the stolen goods. The items were located upon the execution of a search warrant, and the suspects in the case are juveniles, according to police.

“The Pasadena Police Department would like to thank those who reported leads to our tip line,” the statement said. “The information and support are invaluable and play a crucial role in helping us ensure safety and security in our community. Our detectives worked diligently to follow up on all leads, which resulted in the quick execution of search warrants. The investigation will be ongoing.”

Earlier this week, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders called on the NCAA and the Rose Bowl venue itself to reimburse the players for their stolen jewelry and other items.

“NCAA, you do something about everything else,” Sanders said. “Do something about this one.”

Sanders said the Colorado program was putting together an accounting of all the items the players and staff said they lost.

“All that stuff should be replaced,” Sanders said. “This is the Rose Bowl. It’s at the grandaddy off them all, right? I’m sure grandaddy has some money. Grandpa should have some money to give these kids. I’m gonna have a list made out for these kids, and I know they’re gonna be truthful about what they lost so we can try to get that back for them. They may not be able to get the items back but we should be able to reimburse.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 28, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders talks with offensive tackle Kareem Harden (77) in the first half against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado players report jewelry stolen from locker room

Jewelry belonging to several Colorado football players reportedly was stolen from the visitor’s locker room at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on Saturday while the Buffaloes were playing UCLA.

“The UCLA athletic department confirmed that a report was filed to the Pasadena Police Department following the UCLA-Colorado football game regarding items that were reportedly missing from the Colorado locker room,” the school said in a statement. “UCLA is in communication with law enforcement, Rose Bowl Stadium officials and the University of Colorado on the matter.”

Several players were seen discussing the alleged theft postgame in a video posted to social media.

There is no video surveillance inside the locker rooms.

–Field Level Media

Feb 3, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; NFL former player Vince Wilfork walks the sidelines before Super Bowl LIII between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Vince Wilfork’s son pleads guilty to stealing Super Bowl rings

The son of former All-Pro defensive tackle Vince Wilfork pleaded guilty to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of his father’s jewelry, including two Super Bowl rings.

D’Aundre Holmes-Wilfork received five years of probation after pleading guilty to theft of property greater than $300,000, according to the Galveston Daily News. The conviction will be vacated should Holmes-Wilford successfully complete the probation.

Wilfork reported in May 2021 that he was missing his Super Bowl rings in addition to AFC championship rings, a college football national championship ring, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

Wilfork first noticed the items were missing a year prior but believed them to be in storage. He was contacted by a New England Patriots fan earlier in 2021 when the Super Bowl rings were up for sale, alerting him to the theft.

Holmes-Wilfork’s attorney said the all parties are trying to move forward from the situation.

“The outcome that emerged from the case was a result of much self reflection and healing on the defendant’s part and the willingness of his parents to forgive him and show him unconditional love with the sincere hope that he can be rehabilitated and go on to live a happy and productive life,” attorney Mark Aronowitz told the Galveston Daily News.

Wilfork played in the NFL from 2004-16, primarily as a member of the Patriots. He won Super Bowls with the club following the 2004 and 2014 seasons. Wilfork was first-team All-Pro in 2012 and was named to the Pro Bowl five times.

–Field Level Media