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Parents feel cheated by AAU director

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By NICK WILLIAMS

nwilliams@tampatrib.com

Published: July 18, 2009

Updated: 07/18/2009 12:35 am

TAMPA - Several Tampa area parents are hoping to retrieve the $300 they each spent to register their sons with a local boys basketball summer travel team organized by a man with a lengthy criminal background.

According to the parents, David Montgomery, the director of Team Tampa, promised to refund the money for his inability to provide jerseys and for canceling tournament appearances, which were promised upon payment.

The 16-under team dismantled soon after the parents removed their children in April. Despite countless phone calls and e-mails, and even threats of a lawsuit, Montgomery has yet to refund the money.

Sherry Thompson, who paid the $300 fee so her son, Teshey, could play for Team Tampa, said the team held only a few practices before Montgomery canceled its first wave of tournament appearances.

"He said they weren't ready," she said. "He said his reputation was on the line."

The parents feel cheated.

"I told him that if he didn't contact me, he'd leave me no recourse but to file a civil claim," said Djuna Perine, whose son DeVante signed up for Team Tampa. "I really didn't want to go to court. I just want Montgomery to do what's right."

According to the club's Web site, Team Tampa offers 12-, 14-, 16- and 17-under and Senior boys basketball teams. Thompson said all but the 16-under team are currently active.

Calls seeking comment from Montgomery have not been returned. Other coaches involved with Team Tampa have declined comment.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department and Tampa Police Department reports show that Montgomery, 40, has been arrested several times on charges that include aggravated battery, soliciting a prostitute and driving with a revoked license. In April, he was arrested and charged with two counts of battery, and he was later released on a $4,000 bond. According to a Sarasota County Sheriff's Department report, he was arrested on May 29 and charged with third-degree felony for failure to redeliver a hired vehicle.

"I'm shocked he can still deal with children and coach," said Darlene Lanfranconi, a single parent and teacher who is seeking a refund.

Team Tampa and Montgomery are registered members of the Amateur Athletic Union. Membership allows the team and Montgomery to play and coach in AAU tournaments. According to AAU rules, any person convicted of a felony cannot apply for membership.

According to the Hillsborough County Circuit Clerks office, however, Montgomery is not a convicted felon. Two of Montgomery's three felony charges (aggravated battery and driving with a revoked license) were reduced to misdemeanor offenses. The other felony charge for failure to redeliver a hired vehicle was dropped.

AAU president Bobby Dodd said although a team might play solely in AAU tournaments, the AAU does not govern teams. He also said AAU doesn't select coaches or endorse them.

Conrad Foss, the national basketball director for United States Specialty Sports Association, coaches Florida Elite, a summer travel team comprised of several local players. He said situations such as these aren't uncommon.

"We govern the tournaments the teams play in," Foss said. "We aren't responsible for individual teams. "Those situations are a contract between that parent and that team and we don't have a say in that situation. Parents should look at the history of that organization and look at the organization itself. If I was a parent, I would want some contract saying what I'm going to get for that."

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 259-7851.

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