In a shocking turn of events, Bucks forward Bobby Portis became the latest high-profile athlete to have his home burglarized, with similarities being drawn to other high-profile break-ins across the country. River Hills Police Chief Michael Gaynor confirmed on Monday that the department is investigating the burglary, and he emphasized that while they have been in contact with the FBI regarding the possibility of a string of related crimes, they have yet to determine whether the incidents are definitively linked.
The burglary occurred on November 2, during a Bucks game, and it was reported by Portis himself just a day later. The NBA star took to social media on November 3 to share the news, expressing his frustration over the theft of many of his “prized possessions” from his home. To provide more details, Portis even released home surveillance footage, which included audio capturing two individuals inside his house during the break-in. The footage has since been a key piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation.
In his statement, Chief Gaynor confirmed that the River Hills Police Department has been in communication with law enforcement in several other states, including Kansas, Missouri, and Minnesota, where similar burglaries have targeted professional athletes. While the police haven’t confirmed any direct connection between these incidents, the similarities in the cases are raising alarms about a possible pattern.
One of the first cases that caught the public's attention was the burglary of Minnesota Timberwolves’ point guard Mike Conley Jr.’s Medina home on September 15. The burglary occurred while Conley was attending a Minnesota Vikings game. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the thief or thieves took jewelry from the house, leaving Conley devastated. The timing of the break-in, while the athlete was away at the Vikings game, mirrored what happened to Portis during the Bucks game, suggesting that there may be a larger trend at play.
Just weeks later, another professional athlete’s home was targeted—this time, it was Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce’s property in Leawood, Kansas. On October 7, as Kelce’s team was kicking off for their "Monday Night Football" game, burglars broke into his home. According to a police report obtained by the Kansas City Star, the intruders stole a staggering $20,000 in cash and caused $1,000 worth of damage to a back door. This, too, was an unsettling incident that mirrored the Portis burglary in both timing and method.
A day before Kelce’s break-in, the police responded to another burglary at the home of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. This incident, which occurred in Cass County, Missouri, remains somewhat mysterious. Authorities have not confirmed whether anything was stolen, but the close proximity of the break-ins is another factor that has investigators concerned.
The string of burglaries involving these high-profile athletes has understandably raised concerns about the safety and privacy of public figures. Portis, in particular, expressed his frustration, especially considering the fact that he has long been an advocate for the local Milwaukee community. Known for his charity work and efforts to promote positive change in the area, Portis stated in his social media post that he has “worked hard to do good in the Milwaukee community.” The break-in, therefore, felt like a personal attack, not just a criminal act.
“I hope you all can help do the same by sending any tips regarding this crime to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,” Portis wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He went on to offer a $40,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the criminals involved or the recovery of his stolen property. The hefty reward has likely fueled local interest and could help bring some much-needed resolution to the investigation.
It’s clear that the string of burglaries is not just about stolen items—it's also about an invasion of privacy and the emotional toll it takes on the victims. For athletes like Portis, Conley, Kelce, and Mahomes, who spend much of their time under the public eye, these burglaries also expose the vulnerability of their private lives. They’re not just athletes on the field; they’re people with families, homes, and belongings they value. Having someone violate that space in such a way is a traumatic experience that can leave lasting emotional scars.
The situation also highlights an unsettling trend: burglaries targeting professional athletes, who may be perceived as easier targets due to their wealth and visibility. The burglars involved in these cases seem to have been targeting homes at times when the athletes were away at games, which speaks to a level of premeditation and knowledge of the athletes' schedules. In some cases, it seems that the burglars were well-aware of the athletes’ locations, which makes these break-ins feel particularly invasive and calculated.
As the investigation continues, both local authorities and the FBI are working diligently to determine whether these burglaries are the work of a single group of criminals or if they are simply unrelated incidents that happen to share striking similarities. What is clear, however, is the growing concern over the safety of high-profile athletes and the potential for more break-ins targeting other individuals in the public eye.
For the community, it’s a reminder that no one is truly safe from the possibility of being a victim of crime—no matter their social status or wealth. It’s also a call to action for law enforcement to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to prevent these kinds of crimes from occurring in the future.
In the meantime, Portis is left to deal with the fallout from the break-in, continuing to support his community while also hoping for a swift resolution to the crime. His offer of a $40,000 reward not only demonstrates his commitment to justice but also sends a message that he is willing to do whatever it takes to reclaim what was taken from him.
As the investigation progresses, all eyes are on the River Hills Police Department and the FBI to see if they can connect the dots between these burglaries. With more athletes’ homes being targeted, there’s a growing sense of urgency to bring those responsible to justice before more break-ins occur.
This string of burglaries serves as a stark reminder that, in today’s world, even the most private and secure homes can become targets for criminals looking to capitalize on an athlete’s wealth and public persona. And for Portis, Conley, Kelce, and Mahomes, the emotional impact of these crimes will undoubtedly resonate long after the stolen goods are recovered, making it all the more crucial for these cases to be resolved.
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