A former Florida tennis coach, Daniel James Riggs, has received a 20-year prison sentence following his conviction for sexually abusing two minors he was mentoring. The sentencing took place on Thursday, March 12, under U.S. District Judge Melissa Damian. Riggs, aged 33 and the grandson of esteemed tennis player Bobby Riggs, pleaded guilty to two charges of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activities.
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The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida disclosed that Riggs had been working as a coach with Team Riggs at a Fort Lauderdale tennis centre. Among his students were two young girls, one of whom was just 15 years old when Riggs began coaching her in 2020. The other victim, identified through social media, was a 16-year-old girl at the time of the offences.
According to prosecutors, Riggs engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the minors using multiple social media accounts from 2021 until his arrest in late 2024. In a concerning revelation, it was reported that he solicited child sexual abuse material from one of the victims via a social media application. Underlining the manipulative nature of his actions, Riggs reportedly created anonymous profiles and advised the teenager to erase their conversations.
The investigation into Riggs’ conduct unveiled a web of social media accounts through which he had contacted the minors. Law enforcement linked several accounts to him using subscriber and billing records. The allegations extend beyond online interactions, as prosecutors also stated that Riggs “sexually abused” one of the minors during their travels for tennis training and tournaments, both domestically and internationally.
Riggs’ plea deal includes provisions that will require him to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones emphasised the profound breach of trust involved in Riggs’ actions. He explained that children and their parents entrust coaches not only with athletic training but also with their safety and guidance.
The gravity of Riggs’ betrayal has been highlighted as a significant factor in the court’s decision to issue a lengthy prison sentence. “Twenty years in federal prison reflects the seriousness of that betrayal,” said Quiñones. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Southern District of Florida to aggressively pursue individuals who exploit children, ensuring that they face substantial consequences for their crimes.
Notably, Daniel James Riggs is the son of Larry Riggs, the eldest son of Bobby Riggs. The tennis legend, who passed away in 1995, was known for his famous “Battle of the Sexes” match against Billie Jean King in 1973, an event that has since been depicted in a biographical film.
Bobby Riggs is celebrated not only for his controversial matches but also for his achievements as a former world No. 1 tennis player, having been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1967. Daniel’s actions, in stark contrast to the legacy of his grandfather, have led to a significant legal outcome designed to protect vulnerable young athletes from similar predatory behaviours in the future.
The case has drawn attention to the critical importance of oversight in sports coaching, particularly regarding interactions with minors. As the legal proceedings conclude, the message is clear: abusive conduct by those in trusted positions will not be tolerated and will be met with severe penalties. The community is urged to remain vigilant to safeguard children’s welfare in athletic environments.