Former Iowa State linebacker Jake Knott was arrested Saturday after he was caught stealing merchandise from an Ankeny sporting goods store for the second time in a week, authorities said.

Knott, a Waukee standout who went on to star at Iowa State, was charged with third-degree theft, an aggravated misdemeanor.

According to a criminal complaint, Knott was recorded on video stealing three gun holsters, a gun light, a laser light and other items from Sportsman's Warehouse on Aug. 22. Together those items were valued at over $600.

Four days later, according to the complaint, Knott returned to the store and managers recognized him and called police. While waiting for police, loss prevention officers watched Knott take ammunition for a 9mm, a Bluetooth headset and a keychain.

Knott paid for some small items and walked out with the stolen merchandise in his pants and pockets, authorities allege. He was stopped outside and was found with the items. The total value of the stolen items on the two days was $777.39.



A court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 5.

The Waukee High School alumnus was an all-Big 12 performer at ISU. After going unselected in the 2013 NFL Draft, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent.

He played in 12 games as a rookie with the Eagles, recording six tackles, then was suspended for the first four games of the 2014 season after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. He was cut that summer by the Philadelphia, then resigned with the team that fall only to be released again due to injury.

He joined Miami later that season and played in one game for the Dolphins before they released him in 2015.