Who Stole The Cologne? Arresting A Cowboy Thief

On October 14, 2014, Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle was arrested for shoplifting cologne and underwear from a Dillard's store in Frisco, Texas. Randle, who was charged with a Class B misdemeanor theft, was detained by store security and later taken to the Frisco city jail, where he posted bond and was released. The arrest came just a day after one of Randle's best games with the Cowboys, where he had a 38-yard run and a key tackle on a kickoff in a victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

Joseph Randle's arrest for shoplifting

On Monday, October 13, 2014, Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle was arrested for shoplifting cologne and underwear from a Dillard's store in Frisco, Texas. Randle, who was 22 years old at the time, was charged with a Class B misdemeanor theft of items valued between \$50 and \$500. The total worth of the stolen items was \$123.50 before sales tax.

According to the arrest report, Randle was caught on video surveillance placing a "tester" bottle of Gucci Guilty Black cologne, valued at \$80-\$84, and a two-pack of Polo underwear, valued at \$39.50, into a Dillard's bag after making a separate purchase. He was stopped by a security guard in the parking lot, at which point he returned to the store and the items were recovered.

Randle was detained by store security and later taken to the Frisco city jail, where he posted bond and was released early the next day. He was scheduled to earn \$495,000 or \$542,000 that year, depending on the source. As a result of the incident, Randle was fined one week's pay and between \$10,000 and \$30,000 by the Cowboys but was not suspended.

The arrest came just a day after one of Randle's best games with the Cowboys, in which he had a 38-yard run and a key tackle during a 30-23 victory over the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

The items stolen

In October 2014, Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle was arrested for shoplifting a bottle of cologne and a two-pack of underwear from a Dillard's store in Frisco, Texas. The total value of the items stolen was approximately $120, with the cologne valued at around $80 and the underwear at $40.

The cologne in question was a "tester" bottle of Gucci Guilty Black, which Randle took from the men's underwear section of the store. Gucci Guilty Black is described as a "sensual oriental floral" fragrance that "epitomizes determination and bravery." The product description also paints a picture of the "scandalous" and "hedonistic" nature of the fragrance, targeting men who are "brazen, shameless, unpredictable" and always "ready for each and every explosive encounter."

In addition to the cologne, Randle stole a two-pack of Polo underwear valued at $39.50. This brings the total value of the stolen items to $119.50, which is slightly lower than the initially reported $120 value.

The theft of these items resulted in Randle being charged with a Class B misdemeanor, and he was detained and taken to the Frisco City Jail before posting bond and being released. The incident occurred just a day after one of Randle's best games with the Cowboys, where he had a 38-yard run and a key tackle during a victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

Randle's behaviour after the arrest

Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle was arrested for shoplifting at a Dillard's store in Frisco, Texas, on Monday, October 13, 2014. He was charged with a Class B misdemeanor for stealing a bottle of cologne and a pack of underwear worth between \$50 and \$500. After his arrest, Randle exhibited a range of behaviours, from flippancy and jokes to concern about the consequences of his actions.

While being booked at the Frisco City Jail, Randle made light of the situation, asking a female jail employee for a "\$100 massage." He also joked about his mugshot, asking if he looked like a "criminal" and inquiring about the absence of height and weight information on the photo. Randle's nonchalant attitude continued as he discussed the incident with his agent on the phone, saying he "needed an attorney to get [him] a writ bond so [he could] make it to practice tomorrow."

However, Randle did express some concern about the potential fallout from his arrest, asking jail employees if they thought the news would make headlines. He also mentioned the need for an attorney to get him bonded out and acknowledged the seriousness of his mistake during a team meeting two days after his arrest. "It's the biggest mistake I've ever made in my life," he said. "I've never gotten in any kind of trouble in my whole life. This is just something I'll have to learn from and move forward."

Randle's behaviour after his arrest drew mixed reactions. While he initially appeared unconcerned and jocular, he later showed a more serious side, recognizing the gravity of his actions and their potential impact on his career. The Cowboys fined Randle one game check, the maximum allowed, but he recouped his losses by signing an endorsement deal with an underwear company.

The punishment Randle faced

In addition to the legal consequences, Randle also faced public scrutiny and ridicule, with jokes on social media circulating about the incident. The behind-the-scenes video from the Frisco City Jail also showed that Randle did not seem to take his arrest seriously, at one point asking an officer for a "$100 massage".

Randle's arrest and the subsequent punishment also had potential implications for his career as a Dallas Cowboy. While the team did not plan to suspend him, his place on the team may have been affected. Theft is considered a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy, and Randle could have faced further punishment from the league.

Overall, Randle faced a range of consequences for his actions, including legal, financial, and potential professional repercussions, as well as public embarrassment and scrutiny.

The impact on Randle's career

The arrest and its aftermath undoubtedly created a media frenzy, with Randle's behind-the-scenes behavior at the Frisco City Jail also attracting attention. His casual attitude towards the situation, as evidenced by his comments and requests for a massage from an officer, did not portray him in a positive light. Randle's mugshot and comments about his teammate's more serious crime also circulated. This incident likely impacted Randle's public image and reputation, potentially affecting his standing with the team and the league.

The shoplifting charge and subsequent fine served as a financial setback for Randle, who was in the second year of a four-year, $2.3 million rookie contract with a base salary of $495,000 for the season. The arrest also raised questions about his future with the Cowboys, with sources suggesting that his place on the team could be affected despite the team's initial decision not to suspend him. The incident highlighted a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy, leaving Randle vulnerable to potential disciplinary action from the league.

While the direct consequences included a fine and potential disciplinary action, the indirect impact on Randle's career trajectory and relationships with the team and the league are also worth considering. The incident likely influenced how Randle was perceived by teammates, coaches, and the wider football community. It is reasonable to assume that this incident may have contributed to a shift in dynamics and opportunities for Randle within the highly competitive world of professional sports.

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