NBA and NFL Players Targeted in Sophisticated Home Burglaries: Leagues Issue Urgent Warnings
It’s a troubling trend that’s sending shockwaves through the world of professional sports. The NBA is urging its players to ramp up home security measures after a string of high-profile burglaries targeted some of the league’s biggest names. This comes on the heels of similar warnings issued by the NFL, as both leagues grapple with a growing threat to their athletes’ safety and peace of mind.
In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has linked several of these burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups.” These groups, according to the memo, are “well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.”
Among the victims are Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks and Mike Conley Jr. of the Minnesota Timberwolves, as well as Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. The incidents have left players shaken and leagues scrambling to provide guidance on how to protect their stars.
High-Profile Break-Ins Raise Alarm
The details of these burglaries are as unsettling as they are sophisticated. Conley’s home was broken into on September 15 while he attended a Minnesota Vikings game. Jewelry was stolen, according to officials who spoke to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Meanwhile, Portis’s home was targeted on November 2, prompting the Bucks forward to offer a $40,000 reward for information leading to the culprits.
For Mahomes and Kelce, the break-ins occurred just days apart last month. One of the incidents involving the Chiefs players happened on October 7, a game day. Similarly, Portis was playing a game when his home was burglarized. “They took most of my prized possessions,” Portis said, expressing his frustration over the loss.
Mahomes, who is no stranger to the spotlight, shared his thoughts on the ordeal. “Obviously, it’s frustrating, disappointing, but I can’t get into too many of the details because the investigation is still ongoing,” he said. “But, obviously, something you don’t want to happen to anybody, but obviously yourself.”
FBI Briefing and League Recommendations
Last Friday, the FBI briefed the NFL and other professional sports leagues about the growing threat, according to a source who spoke to ABC News. The NBA’s memo, which relayed information from the FBI, highlighted that these theft rings are primarily after “cash and items that can be resold on the black market, such as jewelry, watches, and luxury bags.”
In response, the NBA has been working closely with team security personnel to provide players with actionable advice. The league’s recommendations include:
- Installing updated alarm systems with cameras and ensuring they are activated whenever leaving the home.
- Keeping valuables in locked and secured safes.
- Removing online real estate listings that may show interior photos of a home.
- Utilizing protective guard services during extended trips away from home.
- Considering the use of dogs for home protection.
These measures aim to deter potential burglars and provide players with an added layer of security. However, the sophistication of these theft rings underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive planning.
A Growing Concern Across Sports
The NBA’s warning comes just days after the NFL issued a similar memo to its teams. The fact that both leagues are now addressing this issue highlights the growing concern over the safety of professional athletes. With their high profiles and often-public schedules, players can become easy targets for criminals who use advanced technology and meticulous planning to execute their crimes.
For fans, it’s a sobering reminder that even the biggest stars in sports are not immune to the challenges of everyday life. For the players, it’s a call to action to take every precaution necessary to protect themselves and their families.
As investigations continue, the hope is that these incidents will serve as a wake-up call—not just for athletes, but for anyone who may be at risk of similar crimes. In the meantime, the NBA and NFL are doing their part to ensure their players are as prepared as possible to face this unsettling new reality.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
