Evgeni Malkin’s Home Burglarized: A Growing Trend Among Professional Athletes
In a troubling trend that seems to be sweeping through the world of professional sports, the home of Evgeni Malkin, the star player for the Pittsburgh Penguins, was burglarized over the weekend. This incident adds to a growing list of similar crimes targeting the residences of high-profile athletes.
The Penguins confirmed the break-in at Malkin’s home, releasing a statement to WPXI-TV on Tuesday night. The team is currently collaborating with local authorities and their own security team to address the situation.
According to KDKA-TV, the burglary occurred on Saturday, coinciding with the Penguins’ home game against the Ottawa Senators. A 911 call was made a few hours after the 4 p.m. puck drop. Notably, Malkin was absent from the game due to an upper-body injury.
The KDKA report, citing multiple sources, revealed that Malkin’s three Stanley Cup rings are among the items missing from his home. These rings are not just symbols of his achievements but are also of significant sentimental value.
In their statement to WPXI, the Penguins emphasized, “Malkin has requested that his privacy be respected during this time.” The team has decided not to make any further comments on the matter.
This incident is part of a disturbing pattern where several athletes’ homes have been targeted in recent months. The list of victims includes NFL stars Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Joe Burrow; NBA players Luka Doncic, Bobby Portis, and Mike Conley; and NHL player Tyler Seguin.
The FBI has issued warnings to sports leagues about organized crime groups targeting professional athletes. According to a Liaison Information Report obtained by ABC News last month, these homes are targeted due to the perception that they may contain high-end goods, such as designer handbags, jewelry, watches, and cash.
In response to these threats, both the NFL and NBA have issued security alerts to their players. The NFL’s alert specifically mentions that homes of professional athletes across multiple sports have become “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.”
- Professional athletes are increasingly becoming targets for burglaries.
- High-value items like jewelry and cash are often the focus of these crimes.
- Sports leagues are taking steps to warn and protect their players.
As the sports world grapples with this unsettling trend, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of its athletes. The incidents highlight the need for increased vigilance and perhaps even more robust security measures for those in the public eye.
For Evgeni Malkin, the loss of his Stanley Cup rings is a poignant reminder of the personal cost of such crimes. As investigations continue, the hope is that justice will be served and that measures will be put in place to prevent future incidents.
Originally Written by: ESPN News Services
