The sports world is in trouble after a series of high-profile burglaries targeting NBA and NFL players, raising serious questions about the safety and privacy of professional athletes. Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr. were recently victims of break-ins, while Kansas City Chiefs icons Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were similarly targeted in separate incidents.
Portis made the shocking discovery of a break-in shortly after his team’s blowout victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the meantime, Conley’s home was burglarized while he attended a Minnesota Vikings game.
Patrick Mahomes fails miserably at the Bundle Ball Challenge against State Farm’s Jake
The FBI is sounding the alarm
The gravity of the situation prompted the FBI to intervene, informing the NBA of a criminal operation involving “South American transnational theft groups” (SATG). According to Leon Newsome, senior vice president and chief security officer of the NBA, these syndicates are “sophisticated, well-organized rings” that employ cutting-edge tools such as drones and signal jammers.
“These SATGs are reportedly sophisticated and well-organized rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologiesincluding pre-surveillance, drones and signal jamming devices. SATGs primarily focus on cash and items that can be resold on the black market, such as jewelry, watches and luxury handbags,” Newsome revealed in a memo to team officials.
The FBI also identified a critical vulnerability: many homes targeted had unactivated or outdated alarm systems. Most of the thefts occurred when the athletes were away, suggesting extensive pre-surveillance and meticulous planning by the criminals.
The leagues are mobilizing
Both the NBA and NFL are taking urgent measures to safeguard their players. The NBA has advised team officials to ensure their players update their warning systemsinstall high-definition cameras and consider hiring private security for extended absences. The NFL recently issued similar warnings to its athletes.
This growing trend of targeting professional athletes has has caused widespread concern. As the sports community prepares for further developments, the FBI’s intervention highlights the seriousness of these crimes.
