In a shocking display of generosity, NFL star Chris Jones has offered to fork out a staggering $1.5 million to settle a debt related to stolen chicken wings, in a bid to free an Illinois school worker from prison.
The Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle made the unexpected offer on social media, stating that he would cover the cost of the pilfered poultry to secure the release of Vera Lidell, who was sentenced to nine years behind bars for her role in the theft.
Lidell, a former food service director at the Harvey School District in Dolton, Illinois, was accused of stealing a whopping $1.5 million worth of food, including a massive 11,000 cases of chicken wings, between October 2020 and February 2022.
According to reports, Lidell acted alone in the scheme, using her position to place fraudulent orders with food supplier Gordon Food Services. The stolen items were allegedly stored in a warehouse, with the majority being chicken wings, which are not typically served to students due to the bones.
Lidell pled guilty to stealing $1.5million worth of chicken wings from an Illinois school district
Jones has offered through social media to pay for the stolen wings to free Lidell from prison
Jones, who recently signed a 5-year, $158.75 million extension with the Chiefs, took to social media to make the offer, stating, “I’ll pay for the wings that she stole to get her free.”
It remains to be seen whether Jones’ offer will be accepted, but the move has certainly sparked a buzz around the sports world.
Lidell’s case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in public institutions, and the consequences of such actions can be severe.
The incident has left many wondering how such a massive theft could have gone undetected for so long, and what measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
