Soboba Band offers $10K reward for return of Patriots game jersey

Thursday, February 9, 2017

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is seen in his number 12 jersey during an October 2016 game. Photo: Peter Bond

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The Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians is offering $10,000 in slot machine play for the return of a jersey worn during the Super Bowl.

Quarterback Tom Brady wore the number 12 jersey as he led the Patriots to their fifth Super Bowl title. But it went missing from the team's locker room after the historic game on Sunday and the Soboba Casino is stepping up with the reward.

"If we can assist in helping to return this iconic item to whom it belongs, that is exactly what we will do," Scott Sirois, the general manager of the casino, said on Thursday.

The game took place in Houston, Texas, and the police department there is actively investigating. "Major Offenders is working with NFL Security & state & local law enforcement officials to investigate theft of Tom Brady's #SB51 jersey," a post on Twitter read.

Although the incident is being called a "theft," police are following a new lead, TMZ reported. The news, sports and entertainment site said the jersey may have been loaded onto the team's truck, which is due to be unpacked in Massachusetts on Thursday.

But in the event the jersey isn't there, the Soboba Band asks that it be surrendered on the casino property in southern California. From there it will be returned to Brady and the Patriots.

"We understand the jersey was to be gifted to Mr. Brady’s mother, who is currently battling cancer," Sirois said. "If we can help make this happen, well, no amount of money or free slot play can possibly represent how important this would be for us in helping to realize this touching tribute.”

The tribe is promising anonymity in connection with the return of the jersey. Those interested can contact marketing director Michael J. Broderick on site at the casino.