Feb. 2, 2023 started like any other morning for Amit Patel. He was in his cubicle on the ground floor of EverBank Stadium, home to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Patel, a manager in the team’s financial department, was closing out the last cycle of expenses, a routine he followed at the start of each month.
When Jaguars chief financial officer Mark Sirota called Patel to his office, Patel thought it might be about a new project. However, Sirota’s demeanor changed when Patel arrived and he asked Patel to shut the door behind him. Sirota then informed Patel that a delegation from NFL security was waiting in a suite upstairs to speak with him.
Sirota led Patel through the office and the stadium to meet the NFL security team. Upon entering the suite on the fourth floor, Patel found himself surrounded by a team lawyer and three men in suits, one of whom was seated behind a laptop.
“I already knew they had all the information on the computer in front of them. My entire gambling history,” Patel, 31, recounted in an interview with The Athletic.
Patel initially lied when asked about the source of the money for his bets, claiming it came from family wealth and cryptocurrency. Eventually, he handed over his phone and computer, realizing the lawyer present was there to protect the team, not him. It became evident that Patel’s extensive embezzlement from the Jaguars had been uncovered.
FBI investigators later revealed that over four years, Patel had stolen more than $22 million from the Jaguars by creating fraudulent charges on the team’s virtual credit card. The majority of the stolen funds were lost to online sports gambling, while some were used for a lavish lifestyle including luxury purchases.
In a U.S. District Court hearing in Jacksonville, Patel expressed shame for his actions and received a 78-month sentence for his extensive fraud. He reflected on the relief of facing his punishment after a long period of fear and anxiety.
Friends and family testified to Patel’s character at his sentencing, highlighting his struggles with addiction. Patel acknowledged his addiction to gambling and the impact of personal losses on his life, leading to his destructive behavior.
Despite the consequences of his actions, Patel remains grateful for the opportunity to address his addiction and seek redemption. He spoke of the inner demons he battled and the support he received during his recovery process.
Patel recounted a history of gambling addiction that escalated during his time with the Jaguars, leading to desperate attempts to cover his losses by embezzling from the company. His gambling habits spiraled out of control, culminating in his eventual arrest and guilty plea.
Now focused on his rehabilitation and the lessons learned from his past, Patel strives to use his experience to help others battling addiction. With continued treatment and support, he looks forward to a future where he can make amends for his actions and contribute positively to society.
Patel remains committed to his recovery journey, acknowledging the challenges ahead and the importance of addressing underlying issues that contributed to his destructive behavior.
(Illustration: Eamonn Dalton / The Athletic; photos: Don Juan Moore, Julio Aguilar, Perry Knotts, Don Juan Moore / Getty Images; courtesy of U.S. Attorney)