On Wednesday, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Patrick Battillo, a basketball coach at Peoria High School and well-known Valley sports fan known as “Mr. ORNG.” Battillo has been a fixture at Phoenix Suns games for over ten years, always wearing orange from head to toe. He has become a beloved figure among fans, even being featured in NBA commercials and social media posts.
The sheriff’s office has not released many details about the charges related to child sex crimes that Battillo is facing. ABC15 has reached out for further information but is currently awaiting a response. This is an ongoing situation and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
Battillo was taken into custody on Wednesday and his arrest has shocked many in the Valley sports community. He was known for his passion for basketball and his love of the Phoenix Suns. His arrest raises questions about the safety of children in sports settings and the importance of background checks for coaches and other staff members.
