In a tale that seems more fit for a police procedural drama than everyday life, Christopher Pazan, once an esteemed quarterback at the University of Illinois, now finds himself embroiled in controversy not for his gridiron prowess, but for his alleged misdeeds off the field. The former sports star, who traded in his cleats for a Chicago police badge, is now facing a misdemeanor charge of retail theft, casting a shadow on what seems to be a troubled life away from both the football field and the precinct.

On a seemingly ordinary Wednesday afternoon, Pazan found himself in handcuffs after reportedly trying to sneak away with approximately $300 worth of baseball cards from a Meijer store located on South Western Avenue in Evergreen Park. As described by Sgt. Victor Watts of the Evergreen Park Police, it wasn’t long before the eagle-eyed security guard spotted Pazan on surveillance footage, deftly concealing the cards within the confines of a purchased yard waste bag. Alas, the former quarterback paid for the bag but not for its illicit contents, a move that swiftly led to his arrest.

While once recognized for his quick thinking and agility on the field, Pazan’s current situation is decidedly less glamorous. Having joined the ranks of the Chicago Police Department in 2015, Pazan’s badge and police powers have since been stripped amid an ongoing internal investigation. His role, formerly within the Morgan Park District and the central investigations division where he dealt with complex cases such as arson and financial crimes, has taken a pause as he delves into unfamiliar territory — that of a suspect.

Before his policing career kicked off, Pazan’s trajectory seemed to spell nothing but promise. As a standout quarterback at Brother Rice High School in Mount Greenwood, he earned All-American honors — an accolade that won him a seat at the University of Illinois. During his college stint, he further showcased his skills, even dabbling in the role of a coach at his alma mater and St. Joseph’s College. Yet the leap into law enforcement marks where Pazan hitched his sense of purpose. In a 2015 interview with the Chicago Tribune, Pazan cited a desire to serve a greater good, sharing ambitions of wanting “something more; to do something more and to serve in a different capacity.” This dream was further intertwined with his participation in the Chicago Enforcers, a police football league team.

While Pazan’s career in law enforcement brought a stable salary — reportedly $111,804 annually, exclusive of overtime — financial stability appears absent from his current narrative. As revealed in recent court filings, Pazan’s personal finances are under strain, exacerbated by a looming divorce and the costly legalities tied to it. His former attorney, Tania K. Harvey, has made it clear that Pazan owes over $5,800 in unpaid fees to her firm, urging a court mandate for payment.

In efforts to cover mounting expenses, including legal fees and settlements, Pazan’s legal counsel indicates he is refinancing his home in the Beverly area. This move is reflective of his ongoing struggles with money management, highlighted by past loan disputes. A 2022 lawsuit by JPMorgan Chase saw Pazan settling a $15,000 debt, while a prior case with Fifth Third Bank over a $4,000 loan concluded when the bank failed to track him down.

The controversy Pazan finds himself embroiled in serves as a chilling reminder of the expectations placed upon those in law enforcement. City recruitment policies already screen for significant personal debt among applicants to stave off potential susceptibility to corruption or financial duress. However, with Pazan’s ongoing legal battle over retail theft now hinging on an impending court date set for June 23 in Bridgeview, his future, much like the cards he allegedly lifted, remains up in the air.

Discussions on athletes transitioning to different fields often highlight stories of triumph, inspiration, and the hope of successful reinvention. Pazan’s path offers a more sober perspective: life’s complexities do not pause when the jersey is retired, and new careers can sometimes come with unexpected challenges. Yet, despite the sticky wicket he finds himself in, one thing’s for certain: this former quarterback is still firmly in the game, albeit one vastly different from the one he’s played before. And as his story unfolds, to some it’s a cautionary tale; to others, a stark reminder of fallibility, even in seemingly secure new chapters.

Cop Steals Baseball Cards