As the FBI investigates a South American crime ring that has been linked to burglaries of several pro athletes, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovialoa on Wednesday issued a warning to anyone with nefarious intentions.
“Well, I have personal security,” Tagovailoa said during a live-streamed Dolphins news conference when asked about fear of his Broward home being broken into amid recent break-ins of homes of pro athletes.
“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 got someone with my wife got, you know, 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 said the car break-in occurred two years ago and the decision to hire arm guards preceded the NFL’s warning about the South American crime ring.
Asked if he’s concerned if his high profile makes him a target, Tagovailoa said:
“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.”
The FBI reportedly has linked a South American crime ring to the recent burglaries of the homes of Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce and NBA players Bobby Portis and Mike Conley Jr.
Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow’s home was broken into during the Bengals-Cowboys game on Monday night, but ABC News reported that police do not believe that was tied to the South American crime ring.
The NFL has encouraged teams to tell their players not to publicize their travel plans or who will be traveling with them.
NEWS NOTES
The Dolphins on Wednesday designated receiver Grant DuBose to return this season; Miami has 21 days to activate him. NFL teams can activate eight players off injured reserve during a season and DuBose will be Miami’s seventh, following Cam Smith, Tua Tagovailoa, River Cracraft, Patrick McMorris, Tyler Huntley and Blake Ferguson.
Of those seven, DuBose and Ferguson have not yet been activated.
Outside linebackers Bradley Chubb and Cameron Goode would not count toward those seven because they’re on the physically unable to perform list. The Dolphins must active them within 14 days for them to be eligible to play this season.
On Wednesday, both practiced for the fourth time since sustaining knee injuries late last season. Coach Mike McDaniel said their status for Sunday’s game at Houston will be determined later in the week.
