NFL
Chargers Rookie Derwin James Robbed at Gunpoint in L.A.
On Thursday afternoon, the Los Angeles Chargers held their first day of training camp at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, California. It was here where rookie safety, Derwin James, confirmed to reporters that he was robbed at gunpoint two months ago.
It happened while Derwin was leaving an LA restaurant with his uncle at the time. The Chargers organization was made aware of this immediately after the incident. However, this was the first time the media or general public heard of the situation.
TMZ reported that the incident occurred in the late evening on June 23rd. Derwin James and his uncle were allegedly walking to his Rolls Royce after dining at a Hollywood restaurant. Suddenly, two men armed with guns confronted Derwin and his uncle.
The assailants robbed James of his Rolex watch and chain before running off. Derwin and his uncle tried to pursue the suspects in their car, before realizing three of their cars’ tires had been slashed.
Derwin released the following statement on the situation at Chargers’ training camp Thursday afternoon.
“I wouldn’t wish that upon anybody. It happened. It was just one of those things that you never expect to happen to you, but it happened, and I’m just happy to be out here playing football.”
Thankfully, neither Derwin nor his uncle were harmed during the robbery. He also said that he was thankful that the situation hadn’t gotten any worse. James was the first safety picked in the 2018 NFL draft.
The Former Seminole Is Ready To Move On
The 17th overall pick tallied 186 tackles and three interceptions in his three-year career at Florida State University. He recently signed a four-year, $12 million deal with $7.1 million guaranteed. Derwin was just recently cleared for practice after sustaining a hamstring injury during OTA’s earlier in the month.
Thankfully, this situation is behind him and didn’t end up any worse than it did. Now, the Chargers’ rookie must focus on preparing for Week 1 and getting in shape for the start of the regular season.
