Violence And Pro Athletes, Security Needed as Murder Rates Grow

“People are not coming at your average Joe anymore,” said Fisher, who called for the NFL to implement stricter security measures to protect players. “They are coming after athletes. People feel like athletes are an easy win. Why not (rob) an athlete?” –Travis Fisher, defensive back for the Detroit Lions.

“For the most part, we have way more money than the president but less security,” –Dwight Smith, Safety Minnesota Vikings.

Long time readers of my Blog know that this topic is of special concern to me.  Having worked with several professional athletes early in my career, I have spend countless hours trying to educate these players, agents and handlers on the importance of having adequate security. 

Lately the public is becoming more aware the crimes are escalating from assault and robbery to deadly homicides.  Please rest assured that outside of murder, which of course will make the mainstream media spotlight, the number of professional athletes that are victims of crimes which could have been prevented by having the proper security measures in place, is much higher than reported. 

“_____ needs someone are you available?” Are the calls I usually get AFTER a crime has been committed.  However, those of us in the VIP Protection industry are much more successful being proactive versus reactive.  It’s a little too late after the damage has been done, and what’s worst some athletes are usually more concerned with public perception (don’t change my schedule, I don’t want to appear scared!) or the financial cost. (How much will I have to pay for a two man protection team in the off season???)

The leagues have also been a little stubborn in acknowledging that they have the duty and the resources to do more to make their athletes safe.  It usually boils down to two things:  red tape and financial responsibility.  It’s a long uphill battle, and in the meantime I’ve been working with several agents who represent players not yet in the professionals.  Individuals like Marquise Watts, a longtime friend whose agency, NetGain Sports, makes players pay particular attention to what happens off the court as well as on.  Instilling some core principals on safety and security is much easier when you have people around athletes that care. 

Rest In Peace, Sean Taylor, The wake up call continues. I just hope the next multimillionaire thinks twice before choosing the Bentley over the Bodyguard. — One will give you a much bigger return on your investment. 

Elijah Shaw, CEO

Icon Services Corporation

Related topics:    

Violence Commited Against Athletes

The Most Dangerous Cities For Sports Athletes  

Allen Iverson, Bodyguard In Court Over Nightclub Brawl

Allen Iverson denied taking part in a 2005 Washington nightclub brawl, testifying Monday that two men who sued him for $20 million in connection with the fight want to cash in on his basketball fame.  The plaintiffs say Iverson’s bodyguard and other members of his entourage attacked them when they wouldn’t immediately make room for the NBA star in the VIP section of the club.  Full story behind link.

I can’t say it enough; you cannot allow your client to be put in situation where he is exposed to this type of liability.  As always the bodyguard is an afterthought and Iverson becomes the focus even if he didn’t throw a blow.

Club Security Sues Pacman Jones Over Shooting

LAS VEGAS (AP) – A bouncer who was shot and said his left ankle was bitten by Adam “Pacman” Jones in a strip club melee sued the suspended NFL player and other members of his entourage for damages Monday. The suit, for an unspecified amount, was filed with the Clark County District Court on behalf of Aaron Cudworth three days after the Tennessee Titans cornerback surrendered in Las Vegas on two felony charges of coercion and posted $20,000 in bail.  Full story behind the link.

But the most tragic part: ”Later, the suit alleges that a member of Jones’ group fired a black semiautomatic handgun five or six times toward Cudworth, hitting him in the chest and left arm, causing permanent injury. Another bouncer, Thomas Urbanski, was shot in the left hand and the torso, and was left paralyzed from the waist down. A female club patron was wounded in the head.”

Jaguars Football Player Arrested on Gun Charges

NFL Cornerback Ahmad Carroll, who plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars was arrested around 3 a.m. Saturday. The arrest, which took place at a restaurant, was for drug and gun charges.

Yet another player busted with a firearm.  At somepoint they are going to need to rethink their priorities.  Ahmad was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during the commitment of a felony.  According to reports, drugs were also found. 

NBA Player Sebastian Telfair in gun trouble, again.

Boston Celtics guard Sebastian Telfair was arrested and charged in New York on Friday (April 20) for driving with a suspended license and possession of a firearm.  Full story behind link.

You may recall this was the same player that was robbed outside of a NYC resturant then later connected with a related shooting.  At some point these guys will come to their senses:  It makes much more sense to hire PROFESSIONAL security then take the tough guy route (even if you are tough) and risk the liability and bad press.

Bodyguards and Cooking?

An interesting profile on Bodyguard Iztok Plevnik who now is promoting a book called The Bodyguard Diet:  The life you save may be your own.    Full story behind link.

While I don’t know Mr. Plevnik, and can’t vouch for him, if his story is true he certainly led an interesting life. 

p.s., sounds like he kicks a mean football too.

Fundraiser held for security guard injuried in NBA All-Star Weekend Shooting

A fundraiser was held for the nightclub security guard who was shot and paralyzed over NBA All-Star weekend.  NFL player, Adam “Pacman” Jones was involved in a brawl and the shooting happened shortly afterwards.  Police are still investigating and no formal connection has been made between the two.  Lot’s of money passes through a (strip)club at least something can be said for the owners who held the fundraiser. 

Pacman says he’s the victim, bodyguard maced

Pacman Jones’ publicist is reporting that he was the victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time when a visit to a strip club during All-Star Weekend ending with a shooting that left 2 bouncers and 1 dancer injured.  For the full story, click here.

A catcus also plays a part in this story.

NBA All-Star Weekend Plauged By Violence, Security Issues

“Walking The (Las Vegas) Strip this weekend must be what it feels like to walk the yard at a maximum security prison. You couldn’t relax. You avoided eye contact. The heavy police presence only reminded you of the danger.”

AOL’s Jason Whitlock gives a scathing account of the violence that plauged NBA All-Star weekend.  Full story behind the link.

Speaking first hand, I know a lot of people saw the value of security while attending the various events and after parties assoicated with the weekend.  Last count was 400 people arrested with two night club security and a waitress victims of gun violence.

Shaq & bodyguard foil hit-and-run driver

O’Neal, the Miami Heat’s All-Star center and a reserve officer with the Miami Beach Police Department, followed a driver who allegedly crashed into his Cadillac Escalade and tried to flee the scene, the team said.   O’Neal and bodyguard Jerome Crawford followed the driver for about five minutes. When the driver, identified by the Miami Herald as 18-year-old Emmnueo Cibrin of Tampa, stopped near a gas station, O’Neal approached the car and summoned a nearby police officer.   Full story behind the link.

When I first saw this story I thought he stopped a hit and run that happened to someone else.  Wonder if the guy asked for an autograph after being pulled over???