Academy Sports rehires Dean Crouch after backlash

Karl Etters | Tallahassee Democrat

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Dean Crouch has been rehired as a manager at the Tallahassee location of Academy Sports + Outdoors after being fired earlier this week.

Crouch spoke to the head of the Texas-based outdoors store Friday and has been reemployed, according to his attorney.

“I am pleased to report that the head of Academy Sports + Outdoors stores spoke with Mr. Crouch and offered him his job back and Mr. Crouch accepted,” his attorney Ryan Hobbs said.

A company spokeswoman confirmed Crouch's reemployment but had no further comment.

Earlier, she said he was fired in accordance with corporate policy after he tackled a suspect who was attempting to run from the store with a .40-caliber handgun and several boxes of ammunition.

Back story:

The suspect, Jason White, threatened to shoot people with the stolen gun, according to police. He was connected to the theft of two more handguns from a Tallahassee pawn shop.

Crouch’s firing drew national attention with many criticizing Academy’s actions while lauding the 32-year-old as a hero who was fired for doing the right thing. Expressions of support and job offers have been flowing in from around the country.