In a shocking turn of events, a former employee of the Jacksonville Jaguars has been accused of embezzling more than $22 million from the NFL team. According to court documents filed this week in the US District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Amit Patel, a former financial planning manager for the team, allegedly made fraudulent charges between September 2019 and February 2023.

The court documents filed in the case state that Patel used the Jaguars' corporate virtual credit card system to conduct his illicit activities. While the documents do not explicitly name the Jaguars as the affected business, the team confirmed in a statement that it was indeed the victim of Patel's alleged crimes.

The team stated, "We can confirm that in February 2023, the team terminated the employment of the individual named in the filing. Over the past several months, we have cooperated fully with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida during their investigation and thank them for their efforts in this case."

Court documents reveal that Patel spent the embezzled funds on various luxuries and personal expenses. Allegedly, he used the money to engage in online gambling, purchase a Tesla Model 3 and a Nissan pick-up truck, buy a condo in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and invest in cryptocurrency. Patel also reportedly spent the stolen funds on travel expenses, including private jets and luxury hotels, and indulged in buying sports memorabilia, a $95,000 watch, sports tickets, and more.

Furthermore, the court documents allege that Patel attempted to conceal his fraudulent activities from the Jaguars. He even allegedly lodged a retainer with a criminal defense law firm, suggesting that he was aware of the potential consequences of his actions.

Patel has been charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of illegal monetary transaction. The prosecution is seeking to have him forfeit at least $22 million if he is convicted.

In an official statement, Patel's lawyer, Alex King, conveyed that his client has fully cooperated with the authorities' investigation and intends to plead guilty. King explained that Patel's actions were driven by a severe gambling addiction, with a vast majority of the misappropriated funds being spent on gambling losses. Patel reportedly used his personal funds to buy a Tesla Model 3 and a modest residence.

The Jacksonville Jaguars reassured the public that Patel did not have access to confidential football information or personnel matters. The team also stated that an independent review conducted by reputable law and accounting firms concluded that no other employees were involved in or aware of Patel's criminal activities.

Update: December 7, 2023: Amit Patel's attorney provided additional statements, acknowledging Patel's addiction and expressing remorse for his actions. Patel reportedly sought help by checking himself into an inpatient rehab center earlier this year.

As the legal process unfolds, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the NFL community are left grappling with the magnitude of the alleged theft and the impact it has had on the organization.