The NFL aims to continue expanding the game overseas and abroad to showcase its product. Sometimes, players themselves get into unfamiliar territory, and what happened on Friday night to Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Skylar Thompson could happen literally anywhere. However, internationally, the crimes can be more complicated and prevalent because undesirable individuals may lure high-paid athletes into risky situations, knowing they will be in town. The day off that players get between practices and games overseas often leads them to venture out and explore.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Sunday morning that Thompson had been the victim of an attack in Dublin. Pelissero said that the backup QB was jumped and robbed, and is dealing with minor injuries, but is otherwise okay. He did require medical assistance. Steelers PR spokesperson Burt Lauten stated that the team is aware of the incident but has no further comments, as they are working with NFL security to gather more information. Lauten confirmed that the attack took place on Friday night.
Officials in Dublin have stated that no formal complaint has been made by anyone regarding the incident. Thompson has been on injured reserve, dealing with an injury that was not connected to the assault on Friday. As a fourth-string quarterback, however, he is still a part of the Steelers' active roster and is eligible to return from IR Week 7.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Unfamiliar territory: The NFL being abroad led to Steelers' QB being robbed
Reporting by Josh Petry, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect