On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Ft. Lauderdale tennis coach Daniel James Briggs was arrested on federal child sex abuse charges. Riggs is the grandson of the late tennis legend Bobby Riggs, the former No. 1 men’s player in the world and member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Riggs, 31, was charged with enticement of a minor and production of child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. Riggs was greeted by the FBI at the Lauderdale Tennis Club and escorted and booked into Broward County jail,
Media reports state that allegations against Daniel Riggs surfaced in September when a teenage girl came forward in a complaint alleging that Riggs sexually abused her and solicited child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The teen said Riggs became her coach in 2020 when she was 15, but their sexual relationship started around October 2021. He is also alleged to have sexually abused the minor victim while they traveled internationally and domestically for tennis training and tournaments, including in South Florida.
According to the Complaint in the criminal case, the sexual nature of the relationship between Riggs and the minor began on or about October 1, 2021. While at a tennis tournament in Augusta, Georgia, the minor asked Riggs to come to her hotel room to assist her with stretching. Riggs came to the minor’s hotel room and massaged her back. When it was time for bed, Riggs and the minor “wrestled” for her phone. Riggs then waited to leave until the minor fell asleep. On or about November 5, 2021, through on or about November 7, 2021, while in Charlotte, North Carolina, Riggs visited the minor’s hotel room to assist her with stretching. Riggs placed the minor’s legs on his shoulders and grinded on the minor. Riggs also moved the minor to the edge of the bed and put the tip of his penis in her vagina. The minor stated that this only lasted a few seconds as she moved. The minor recalled that Riggs was wearing plaid pajama pants, and that no condom was used. The minor stated that Riggs never used a condom while they engaged in sexual acts.
Law enforcement also identifies an alleged second minor victim, who is 16 years of age. She too was coaches by Riggs. The second minor and Riggs appear to be engaged in a sexual relationship according to law enforcement. In one Snapchat conversation, Minor Victim 2 references playing tennis and tennis practice, and states, “We were playing in the hard courts” and “The clay was literally everywhere.”
Minor Victim 2 also references new windscreens that say, “team Riggs on it.” On or around September 26, 2024, Minor Victim 2 asked Riggs, “So are you gonna finish telling me what you were saying last night.” Riggs states, in response, “About tying you up and licking down your body?” Additionally, on or around September 26, 2024, Riggs stated “Cant wait for you to say that phrase later.” Minor Victim 2 writes, in response, “F*** me Danny.” Riggs tells Minor Victim 2 “Okay im gonna go to sleep feeling good as fuck” and “Going to sleep with a f***ing hard on.” On or around September 26, 2024, Riggs also states “But I cant wait to kiss you all over” and “And lick your pussy up and down.” Finally, on or around September 28, 2024, Riggs and Minor Victim 2 appear to discuss Riggs coming over while Minor Victim 2’s parents are
out.
Reports note that prosecutors say Riggs also allegedly requested sexual photos or videos from the teen through social media, specifically Snapchat. It is believed that Riggs created multiple anonymous profiles and, at times, advised the minor victims to delete their communications. During the initial investigation, social media records revealed the possibility of additional victims. The FBI is actively seeking information connected to other potential cases of child sexual exploitation involving Riggs and urges anyone to reach out with information. The sexual nature of the relationship escalated over time.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing survivors of sexual abuse. We have handled multiple cases of sexual abuse by authority figures and coaches in schools. It is expected that any institutions in which children learn and develop skills offer an environment in which they are safe from violence, bullying, harassment, and sexual abuse. Athletic coaches are entrusted to facilitate learning and support their players’ educational and training needs. Anyone who sexually violates children has no place working in the community or school athletic programs. Any organization committing such a crime must take responsibility for failing to properly screen potential coaches and protect their players. If you or a loved one was sexually abused, assaulted, raped, or molested by a coach, principal, teacher, or other school employees, contact our law firm at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz at [email protected] for a free consultation.