The NFL is still working on increasing its international footprint. This year, the league will have its first-ever game in Dublin, Ireland. The game will feature the Pittsburgh Steelers in their first-ever international game, and the Minnesota Vikings, a team that has become one of the league’s regular international participants.
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse for one of the team’s quarterbacks, according to one prominent league insider.
“Steelers’ trip to Dublin wasn’t without some drama: Sources say backup QB Skylar Thompson got jumped and robbed Friday night in Dublin. Thompson, who is on injured reserve, suffered minor injuries but is OK and with the team,” reported NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on Sunday.
Statement from Steelers Spokesman Burt Lauten: “We are aware of a situation involving Skylar Thompson on Friday night in Dublin. We will have no further comment at this time as we are working with NFL security to gather more information regarding the incident,” Steelers Spokesman Burt Lauten said.
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“Maybe don’t go overseas.. Just hang a few Irish banners during Oktoberfest and have a few stadium green beer specials and call it a day,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“What the hell? If you’re going to force these dudes over there you damn well better protect them,” someone else added.
It’ll be interesting to see if this spurns the league to increase the security provided for players on international trips.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.