Bold strategy: Rhode Island man steals Tom Brady jersey from Patriots Hall of Fame, immediately gets caught wearing it in the parking lot
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — A Rhode Island man tried to escape Patriot place after stealing a game-worn Tom Brady jersey from the team Hall of Fame this week. He did not get far.
Foxborough police told the Attleboro Sun Chronicle that they arrested a Providence man in the parking lot at Gillette Stadium on Thursday after he stole a Brady jersey valued at $10,000 out of a “simulated locker room” at the Patriots Hall of Fame. He apparently wore the jersey to the parking lot and police caught him wearing it under his jacket.
According to the Sun Chronicle, 33-year-old Zanini Cineus of Providence admitted to reporters that he stole the jersey after exiting the courtroom. Police say he also stole a blue glove with an as-yet undetermined value. It’s unclear exactly which game-worn Brady jersey was stolen out of the building.
Cineus’ plan wasn’t quite as bold or sophisticated as the one hatched by a man who stole Brady’s Super Bowl LI jersey right out of the locker room, right after the game. Safe to say that Cineus didn’t really think this one through. The Patriots Hall of Fame isn’t T.J. Maxx. Can’t just take game-worn jerseys off the rack. They’re not for sale.
He may have been able to plead ignorance (insanity?) based on the fact that Hall of Fame items aren’t just up for grabs – if he hadn’t worn the jersey to the parking lot. This should be a lesson to anyone who tries a jersey heist. Don’t be as brazen as Cineus.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
