Former USC Trojans wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane unexpectedly accused a high school recruit of allegedly taking items from his USC locker. Following Lane’s comments, many sports personalities have shared their opinions on this alleged theft trend, with many saying it is a common occurrence.
Ja’Kobi Lane Gets First Word From Player He Accused of Stealing
Brawley Tuitupou has been identified as the recruit Lane accused of taking items from the USC locker, with the former Trojan calling the alleged theft “unacceptable.” Lane shared a photo showing four towels, eight pairs of USC receiver gloves, three pairs of cleats, and other gear, which fueled the stealing rumors, as recruits typically aren’t given that many items during a visit.
Tuitupou is a junior receiver and safety at Mountain View High School in Orem, Utah. Lane’s accusation can negatively impact Tuitopou’s football career, but he has been quiet following the controversy. However, he finally issued a statement on Tuesday addressing the situation.
“I want to address the situation that’s been discussed online and be clear about the facts,” the statement read. “I did not steal any gear, nor would I ever knowingly possess stolen property. The items in question were purchased by me in good faith, and I have documentation showing that I paid for them under the context that they had been obtained legitimately.
“At the time of purchase, I had no reason to believe they were connected to any issues. As soon as I learned there were questions surrounding the items, I began working to resolve the issue and return the items back to their rightful owners.
“I take my character and reputation seriously, and anyone who knows me understands that I try my best to let integrity, faith, and respect guide my actions. I have a lot of respect for Ja’Kobi and would never intentionally do anything to disrespect him. I’m thankful the facts are coming to light, and I’m focused on moving forward to better myself both on and off the field.”
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It is still uncertain whether this statement will ease the controversy, as opinions remain divided on whether the alleged theft is a minor issue or a serious offense. Former player turned analyst Langdon Tengwall said that recruits sometimes attempt to take gear, and many players used to hide their items in the locker room.
Meanwhile, former Houston defensive back Jayce Rogers Sr. criticized Lane’s public rant, saying he may have done similar things during his own college career.
However, this incident has been an unwelcome distraction for Tuitupou during a time when his recruitment is booming. He has over 20 scholarship offers from programs including Florida, Ole Miss, West Virginia, Duke, Kansas, Maryland, Cincinnati, Iowa, SMU, NC State, Missouri, Houston, Michigan State, Kentucky, and Purdue.
As for Lane, he has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft following a 2025 season with USC that saw the Trojans rank No. 4 in PFSN’s CFB Offense Impact Metric with a 90.4 score. Despite dealing with injuries last season and recording 49 catches for 745 yards, Lane is considered a strong draft prospect, with some analysts projecting him as a third-round pick.
