MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — There are heightened security concerns among sports franchises and their premier players after a number of high-profile athletes have had their homes burglarized in recent weeks.
An organized crime syndicate originating out of South America has targeted the homes of NFL and NBA players, including Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
On Wednesday, Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa issued an unmistakable warning to anyone considering breaking into his Broward County home.
Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa Sends Warning to Thieves
“Well, I have personal security,” Tagovailoa said. “My house had gotten broken into, not necessarily my house but one of my cars and so it’s a little too close for my comfort with my family being in the house.
“So we got personal security to take care of all of that. When we’re on the road, we’ve got someone with my wife. Got someone also at the house, surveying the house.
“So, just to let that be known, they are armed. So I hope if you decide to go to my house, you think twice.”
Tagovailoa added that the car break-in happened a couple of years ago and suggested his decision to fortify his home with armed guards predated this recent crime spree.
The NFL last month issued an alert to team security directors and the NFLPA about the players’ homes being targeted by these gangsters, who have stolen valuables like cash, jewelry, and watches.
The league encouraged teams to tell their players not to make their travel plans known — either on social media or in interviews — prior to making the trips and to fortify their homes with security systems.
Tagovailoa had already taken the extra step of arming his guards. Asked if he’s concerned if his high profile makes him a target, Tagovailoa replied:
“I wouldn’t say necessarily I would be a target. But I wouldn’t want to play, you know, the chances with my family and my kids sleeping, my wife sleeping, me sleeping at the house.”