Daniel Riggs, the grandson of tennis legend Bobby Riggs, is facing grave allegations of abuse. According to a federal criminal complaint filed in Fort Lauderdale, the 31-year-old South Florida tennis coach is accused of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in criminal activity and production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). These allegations have sent shockwaves through the tennis community and beyond.
Those who have already come forward may have a case against Riggs for monetary compensation. Victims who have not come forward can contact our law firm confidentially for a free consultation to see if they are entitled to compensation. Contacting our law firm is easy, free, and confidential. If you, or someone you know, have been the victim of sexual assault, abuse, or rape by Riggs or someone else, please give us a call at 561-222-2222.
Family Legacy Marred by Allegations
Riggs is the president of Team Riggs, a tennis training program run alongside his parents, Lawrence and Regina Riggs, out of their Pompano Beach home. His family name carries a legacy tied to his grandfather, Bobby Riggs, a celebrated tennis icon known for his 1939 Wimbledon and U.S. National Championships victories, as well as his infamous loss to Billie Jean King in the “Battle of the Sexes” match in 1973. However, Daniel Riggs’ actions have cast a dark shadow over the family’s storied history.
The allegations against Riggs underscore the importance of legal representation for survivors of sexual abuse, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.
Disturbing Pattern of Abuse
The case came to light when an 18-year-old former player reported her experiences with Riggs to the FBI in September. The victim stated that Riggs had been coaching her since 2020 and that they traveled together to tennis tournaments across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and even Brazil. Riggs and his father, Lawrence, were considered her guardians during these trips.
The criminal complaint outlines numerous incidents of abuse:
- Incidents in Hotel Rooms: The victim alleged that inappropriate contact began during tennis tournaments in Augusta, Georgia, and Charlotte, North Carolina. She recounted an incident in Charlotte in November 2021 where Riggs engaged in sexual acts without using protection.
- Training Trip to Brazil: During a 2022 trip, Riggs and the victim reportedly stayed together in an Airbnb. The victim alleged that sexual acts occurred nightly and that they watched pornographic videos together. Riggs reportedly acknowledged the risk of statutory rape charges and instructed the victim to keep their relationship secret.
- Exploitation via Snapchat: Riggs allegedly used Snapchat to solicit explicit photos and videos from the victim, providing specific instructions for the content. Saved messages revealed explicit fantasies and admissions of sexual acts. The complaint also describes how Riggs pressured the victim to erase any written records of their relationship, including diary entries. The complaint reveals that Riggs instructed the victim to avoid documenting their interactions, including in her diary, and to keep their relationship a secret. He began using Snapchat to communicate with her, requesting explicit images and videos and providing detailed instructions on what he wanted. The victim saved one of these Snapchat conversations, in which Riggs described sexual acts he wanted to perform on her when she was 16.
Additional Victims
Investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that Riggs was also engaged in a sexual relationship with another minor, a 16-year-old player. Snapchat conversations revealed discussions of explicit activities and plans for Riggs to visit the minor while her parents were away.
Community Outrage
The allegations against Riggs have sparked widespread outrage and concern within the tennis community and among parents of young athletes.
The investigation, led by the FBI’s Miami office and the Broward Sheriff’s Office, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Camille Smith. This case highlights the importance of safeguarding young athletes and ensuring strict oversight to prevent such abuses in the future.
How GOLDLAW Can Help Victims Seek Justice
GOLDLAW, based in West Palm Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized firm dedicated to representing victims of sexual battery, assault, and other forms of misconduct. Led by Spencer Kuvin, a seasoned attorney with a track record of handling high-profile sexual abuse cases, GOLDLAW is uniquely positioned to assist survivors in navigating both the criminal and civil aspects of their cases.
Mr. Kuvin has represented victims of sexual predators across the U.S., including cases against powerful individuals and institutions. He understands the complexities of such cases and approaches each one with sensitivity, determination, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
In cases like the one involving Daniel Riggs, GOLDLAW’s expertise can make a significant difference. The firm’s attorneys work tirelessly to ensure that survivors are heard, their rights are protected, and they receive the compensation they deserve.
Contacting our law firm is easy, free, and confidential. If you, or someone you know, have been the victim of sexual assault, abuse, or rape by Riggs or someone else, please give us a call at 561-222-2222.
