Pittsburgh Steelers’ Trip to Ireland Overshadowed by Assault on Skylar Thompson
The Pittsburgh Steelers embarked on a memorable journey to Ireland, culminating in a hard-fought 24-21 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. However, the excitement of the trip was tarnished by a troubling incident involving quarterback Skylar Thompson, who was reportedly assaulted and robbed during a night out in Dublin’s Temple Bar area.
Details Emerge from the Incident
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the unfortunate event unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning, around 2:30 a.m. local time. Thompson was in the Dame Street vicinity when he encountered a group of men. Eyewitness accounts suggest that this interaction escalated, leading to Thompson being assaulted and having his phone stolen.
Following the incident, emergency services attended to Thompson, though he did not require hospitalization. His teammates expressed concern and disappointment regarding the situation. Right tackle Troy Fautanu reflected on the incident after the game, stating, “I don’t know what happened. I wish he would’ve been with me. Obviously, you never leave anybody behind, so it’s unfortunate that it happened.”
Increased Security Measures
In response to the assault, the Steelers implemented heightened security measures for the players. Fautanu revealed that the team restricted player movements, preventing them from leaving the hotel on the night following the incident to ensure their safety.
Thompson’s Current Status
Thompson, who secured the No. 3 quarterback position during the preseason after rookie Will Howard was placed on injured reserve, is currently sidelined with his own injury. Despite the distressing encounter in Dublin, initial reports indicate that he is recovering well and doing fine after the scare.
As the Steelers navigate the aftermath of this incident, the focus will remain on their performance on the field while ensuring the safety and well-being of their players. The trip, while marked by success in the game, serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges that can arise even during celebratory occasions.
