The AAU basketball community and parents are shaken by disturbing allegations against Tae Pettway, a 34-year-old basketball coach.
Pettway, also known as Savonta Pettway, faces serious accusations of offering money for sexual activity to a 13-year-old boy in his program, a space meant to be safe for young athletes.
These allegations have sparked outrage, raised questions about child safety in youth sports, and brought renewed scrutiny to Pettway’s past, including a 2020 fundraising scandal at Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS).
As parents and community members demand justice, the Tae Pettway allegation has become a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting children.
The allegations came to light when the mother of a 13-year-old boy, under the Facebook account MrnMiss Morgan, shared screenshots of text messages allegedly sent by Pettway to her son.
In the messages, Pettway reportedly urged the boy not to be upset and offered $250 for “doing the thing he asked.”
When the boy asked for clarification, Pettway allegedly repeated his request for secrecy and offered money in exchange for sexual activity.
The screenshots, now circulating widely online, have left parents and community members horrified.
Daron Tate, a community member, expressed the collective anger in a passionate comment:
“Say Man, we MUST start exposing these ‘weirdos’!!! The community deserves to KNOW if a MF is on this BS!!! OUR youth deserve to be safe and free from weak azz dudes like him!!! NO way should we KNOW a MF is like this and allow him to be anywhere near kids!!!”
Via Facebook
His words show the growing distrust and fear among parents who entrusted their children to Pettway’s care.
According to the boy’s parents, a police report has been filed, and Pettway is facing charges related to the allegations.
The community now waits for the legal process to extend, but the damage to trust in local youth sports programs is already profound.
For many parents, the Tae Pettway Allegation is not Entirely Surprising
Several shared stories of Pettway’s persistent attempts to recruit their children for his AAU team.
Marilyn McBandz, a parent whose son played against Pettway’s team, commented,
“My son just said he play this man team today I said no tf u not if that man show his face at that park today he a dead man!!”
Via Facebook
Her visceral reaction underscores the betrayal felt by those who saw Pettway as a mentor.
Ricky Hale Sr. shared a similar experience:
“Just seen him last week… gave him my number and kept sweating me about bringing my kids to his camp.. proceeded to talk about money and etc.. I told him I’m good cause I’m teaching them.”
Via Facebook
These narratives suggest Pettway’s recruitment tactics were aggressive, often involving offers of money or incentives, which now raise red flags in light of the allegations.
Some community members suspect this may not be Pettway’s first inappropriate interaction with minors.
“probably been messing with little boys for years😡😡😡😡 wild work 🤦🏾♂️”
Via Facebook
The Tae Pettway allegation has driven calls for deeper investigations into his conduct over the years, with parents questioning how he was allowed to continue coaching despite earlier controversies.
This is not the First Time Pettway Has Faced Public Scrutiny
In 2020, while working at Milwaukee Public Schools, Pettway was accused of mishandling funds raised through a popcorn fundraiser planned to purchase new team uniforms, shoes, and prizes for his players.
Parents grew suspicious when they couldn’t get clear answers about where the money went.
FOX6 Investigators stepped in, revealing that no popcorn order had ever been placed with the fundraising company.
Pettway offered conflicting explanations, first claiming he would refund the money, then admitting he used it to help his family out of a “tough situation.”
Public records from 2018 and 2019 also showed at least 14 MPS investigations into missing funds, including $200 from a Golda Meir girls’ basketball game, $849 in Bay View field trip funds, and over $2,800 from other schools.
Despite these red flags, Pettway faced no apparent consequences at the time and continued coaching.
When FOX6 attempted to interview him, Pettway agreed to a meeting but failed to show up.
Later, MPS’s communications director informed FOX6 that Pettway was no longer working or volunteering with the district.
Yet, shockingly, he was still able to coach, raising questions about oversight in youth sports programs.
Savonta “Tae” Pettway, a 2007 graduate of Bullard High School, went on to study at Fresno State.
He founded Milwaukee Top Flight Elite in 2005, building a reputation as a dedicated coach in the AAU basketball scene.
AAU, or the Amateur Athletic Union, is a major organization in youth sports, with nearly 800,000 participants and a mission of “Sports for All, Forever.”
However, the Tae Pettway allegation has cast a shadow over his legacy and the organization he built.
Some community members have shared personal details about Pettway’s life, including claims on Facebook that he was adopted and faced mistreatment growing up.
While these details humanize him, they do not excuse the allegations or his past actions.
Instead, they add complexity to a story that has left many suffering with how someone in a position of trust could betray it so profoundly.
The Tae Pettway Allegation Comes Amid Growing Concerns About The Safety of Children in AAU Basketball
The program, while offering opportunities for young athletes to develop skills and compete, has faced criticism for its lack of oversight.
A 2019 ESPN report highlighted the physical toll on young players, noting that many arrive in the NBA “physically broken down” due to the intense schedules of AAU leagues.
More troublingly, cases like that of Greg Stephen, a former Iowa AAU coach sentenced to 180 years in prison for sexual exploitation in 2019, underscore the risks of predatory behavior in youth sports.
Parents are now questioning how Pettway was able to continue coaching despite his history.
The 2020 fundraiser scandal should have been a warning sign, yet he remained in a position of authority over children.
This has led to calls for stricter background checks, better oversight, and mandatory reporting protocols in AAU programs to ensure predators cannot exploit their roles.
The community is united in its demand for justice.
Parents are demanding that others report any suspicious behavior and are pushing for systemic changes to protect young athletes.
The Tae Pettway allegation has shattered the sense of safety at places like McGovern Park, where Pettway’s team, Dynasty Elite, practiced daily.
As the legal process moves forward, the focus remains on supporting the 13-year-old victim and his family.
The boy’s courage in sharing the messages and his mother’s decision to go public have sparked a broader conversation about child safety in sports.
Community members are boosting the call to protect youth from predators, ensuring that no child is left vulnerable.
