Pro Athletes, Guns & Money

In the NFL off-season of 1999, I received a call from my client, CB Al Harris, then with the Philadelphia Eagles.  In a shaken voice, he told me he had been robbed at gunpoint at his brother’s house in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Here’s what happened: It was about 8:30 in the evening when Al drove to the store for some dessert while his brother and others finished up dinner.  Back then, Al drove an old school late 70’s Cadillac Fleetwood and did not wear any jewelry or obnoxious bling.

Upon his return to the modest house, Al pulled into the driveway, got out and started to open the front door when a man appeared from the side of the house wielding a pistol and wearing a mask, telling Al to go inside, with the gun in his back.

Once inside, another masked gunman appeared. The two thugs forced everyone down on their knees and duct-taped their hands, feet and eyes.  While Al was on his knees, one of the robbers intimated to him that he knew he played ball and had cash and jewelry.  He poked Al repeatedly in the back of the head with the large pistol, while telling him he was going to blow his head off if Al didn’t show him where the cash and jewelry were located. Al was staying at the house a few nights a week, so only had a small stash of money and a watch, which was enough to satisfy the thugs.

After a few more threats, they left in Al’s Caddy leaving the victims struggling to free themselves. Needless to say, this was a very frightening and violating experience that has forever change how Al protects himself.

Before this incident, which took place just one block from the police station, Al had never owned or fired a gun in his life. The next day however, he started the process of legally owning and carrying one. He quickly received training on how to properly use and store the gun. He eventually applied for and received a concealed weapons permit as well. 

In my 23-year career as an NFL agent, I have had several players robbed, threatened and followed home by eager thugs looking for a quick score of jewelry and/or cash. The purpose of this post is not to defend the actions of Plaxico Burress, but to give you some insight why athletes carry guns.

In my professional opinion, I would say that for every report you hear about an athlete being robbed, shot or shot at, followed and/or threatened in some way, there are 9 more incidents you don’t hear about. I would say more than 25 percent of NBA and NFL players carry concealed weapons, most likely in their vehicles.  Also, in my opinion well over 75 percent have guns in their homes as well. Many obtain the gun or guns through lawful methods and receive training on their proper use.

In most cases the motivation to acquire a gun is solely for protection.  However, there is a small percentage of athletes who carry weapons for wrong reasons and probably would do so even if they were not a pro athlete. These seem to be the majority of guys we read about – guys who have an ability to attract trouble where ever they go.

When NBA and NFL athletes are in a public place, they are easy to spot because of their size and build.  Furthermore, if they are “iced up” (that is, wearing expensive jewelry and a watch) it brings additional attention and most likely confirms their status.  I know a lot of people criticize young men for spending excessive amounts of money on jewels and fine clothes, but don’t lose sight of the fact they are still very young men.

I ask you; what you would spend your money on if you were young, famous and rich?  I guarantee you would buy some toys and expensive jewelry that you might eventually regret. Regardless of what these athletes wear, it’s no reason to become a target.  I have seen firsthand how jealous people can get by the attention received by pros in a bar, party, or concert.  Once, after an L.A. Raiders game, I witnessed QB Steve Beuerlein being threatened by some local thugs outside of the Coliseum simply because he had a cool car, and maybe had played a bad game.

Several of my clients have had their cars stolen; some right out of the players’ parking lot during practice.  Just a few months ago, one of my clients had his house robbed while he was playing on the road.  The sad fact is that many of these crimes are committed by people the athlete has probably met at some point, whether it is a friend of a friend or a guy who performed a handyman job at their home.

Players are also going beyond carrying guns and installing elaborate security systems. Many guys hire bodyguards and buy specially trained dogs that cost up to $50,000. (For the record, I don’t advise my clients to buy $50k guard dogs).

Many players have resulted to styling out their homes with big basement bars, movie theaters and even bowling alleys so they don’t have to subject themselves to the real dangers of going out and having a good time like other people their age.

It’s no coincidence that the players who skirt the law and don’t take the time to legally protect themselves with a firearm are the ones we end up reading about.  But trust me here, there is a war going on out there, and professional athletes are targets of unsavory characters looking for quick scores. Athletes must take serious measures to protect themselves.

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