Title: Houston Football Player Accused of Failing to Deliver Memorabilia Purchased Online
Introduction:
A professional football player for the Houston Roughnecks, Mark Thompson, is facing allegations of not fulfilling his end of the deal after fans purchased his old gear online. Several buyers claim they never received the items they paid for, leading to frustration and demands for refunds. Let’s delve into the details of this controversy and explore the experiences of those involved.
Thompson’s Online Sale and Fans’ Disappointment:
Mark Thompson, who previously played for the University of Florida Gators before joining the Houston Roughnecks, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to sell his old Gator gear. In a post on January 22, Thompson shared a video showcasing various items such as cleats, socks, and jerseys he was selling. He expressed that some of these items were collectors’ items and had never been worn.
Unfulfilled Deals and Unsatisfied Customers:
Eric Joyner, a Gator fan from Plant City, Florida, was one of the customers who reached an agreement with Thompson to purchase two pairs of receiver gloves for a total of $350. Despite sending the payment via CashApp, Joyner never received the gloves. Similarly, Joshua Rittenour from Pensacola made two deals with Thompson, paying him $570 through PayPal and $130 via CashApp. Unfortunately, Rittenour did not receive the ordered items either.
Another disappointed buyer, Paul Lively from Tampa, paid Thompson $560 for two towels, two gloves, and one pair of cleats. However, Lively only received one Gator towel and a pair of black cleats that were not what he expected.
Attempts to Resolve the Issue:
When contacted by 13 Investigates, Thompson acknowledged the situation but claimed to be handling it slowly. He dismissed the fans’ concerns as an attempt to seek fleeting fame. However, on May 3, Thompson stated that Paul Lively received what he paid for, contradicting Lively’s account.
Refunds and Ongoing Efforts:
Following 13 Investigates’ involvement, Eric Joyner received a refund of the $350 he paid for the undelivered merchandise. Joshua Rittenour managed to file a claim with PayPal, resulting in a reimbursement of $570. However, Rittenour still seeks a refund for the $130 sent via CashApp. Paul Lively, on the other hand, has not yet received a refund but remains determined to get his money back.
Actions Taken by the United Football League:
The Houston Roughnecks responded to the situation after 13 Investigates reached out to them. The United Football League (UFL), under which the Roughnecks operate, acknowledged the complaints against Thompson and demanded immediate resolution. Jeff Altstadter, the UFL’s VP of Communications, expressed awareness of the informal complaints and emphasized the need for Thompson to address them promptly.
Conclusion:
The controversy surrounding Mark Thompson’s failure to deliver purchased memorabilia has left several fans disappointed and seeking refunds. While some customers have received reimbursements through various means, others are still awaiting resolution. The involvement of the United Football League indicates that action is being taken to address the situation. As fans continue to voice their concerns, it remains to be seen whether Thompson will fulfill his responsibilities and regain trust within the community.
