Justin Herbert’s teammate’s father ran ‘mafia-like’ enterprise extorting Los Angeles athletes

After joining the Los Angeles Chargers, Daiyan Henley had credited his father Eugene “Big U” Henley for bringing him up properly.

Justin Herbert’s teammate’s father ran ‘mafia-like’ enterprise extorting Los Angeles athletes

Justin Herbert's teammate Daiyan Henley's father Eugene Henley is a gang leader (Image via Imago/X)

Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers had a decent run to the playoffs in their season under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Their new coach’s philosophy saw some standout performance from many players including second year linebacker Daiyan Henley.

The Washington State standout did not play much in his rookie season. He was part of a good linebacking core and hence had to sit back and learn. But in his second season, Harbaugh unleashed him for good reason.

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The 25-year-old notched up 147 tackles for the season, quite a figure for a player who did not start in his rookie year. After that stellar season, it was reported that Henley played with a torn labrum since week four. This showed he had the fighting spirit in him that was enough to play through the pain.

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Sometimes that spirit and character come from the way athletes grow up. In Daiyan Henley’s case, his father had a major impact. Earlier reports indicate his father, Eugene “Big U” Henley, was a music producer. But as per an article by the LA Times, he is much more than that.

Henley senior was wanted for murder, kidnapping, robbery, extortion and fraud. Federal authorities released a 107-page complaint on Wednesday, where they detailed his actions as the leader of the Big U Enterprise.

He is a known member of the Rollin’ 60s gang as well as being a Crip leader. Federal authorities have been investigating their activities for a long time have everything in place to incriminate the 58-year-old. After authorities arrested most of his associates, latest reports indicate Henley has turned himself in.

Eugene “Big U” Henley ran Los Angeles

Eugene Henley ran a nonprofit known as Developing Options. Its goal was to be a gang violence interventionist. At the same time, he provided underprivileged children a life option in sports. His son and Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley helped his father in that organization.

However, the music producer defrauded a lot of people through that nonprofit. Among those he defrauded are the LA Mayor’s office, NBA stars Shaquille O’Neal and Draymond Green. Other than this, the LA Times article revealed how federal authorities saw Henley’s Big U Enterprise empire.

Federal authorities likened Henley’s “Big U Enterprise” to a “mafia-like organization” that relied on his “stature and long-standing association with the Rollin’ 60s and other street gangs to intimidate businesses and individuals” in L.A.

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The federal complaint revealed that Henley checked in with athletes and rappers arriving in Los Angeles. He allegedly asked for fees and offered protection. If they did not comply, they would eventually feel the retaliation from his Big U Enterprise.

Daiyan Henley’s future in the NFL

This arrest will essentially cripple the organized street gangs operating in Los Angeles. At the same time, this could lead to further scrutiny on how others behave. Federal authorities must have investigated Daiyan Henley’s actions along with those of his family members.

Daiyan Henley should not have problem continuing football career with Los Angeles Chargers
Daiyan Henley should not have problem continuing football career with Los Angeles Chargers (Image via Open Source/X)

Therefore, it is unlikely the Los Angeles Chargers linebacker will face the law. He might lose some face considering his father is now known for being one of the crime bosses of the city. How this impacts his future with the Chargers, or any other team is unknown.

The team might not bother about it considering he has grown into a leader in that locker room. Neither has he had a run in with the law. As long as he continues to play the way he did last season, he should be fine.

In fact, the 25-year-old can forge his own path where his successes in the NFL become his legacy. Some believe he can continue to grow and become one of the best linebackers in the league. If he manages to become that, Henley can avoid any discourse surrounding his father.