Players at the national level have to usually live with more pressure than average citizens because, in addition to their own actions, the mistakes of their families or peers can harm the athlete’s reputation quite a bit. Indianapolis Colts safety Rodney Thomas II is also facing a similar issue owing to the actions of his father.
In a country like the US, animal cruelty is usually not viewed in a positive light and there are strong rules in place to penalize anyone who engages in such actions. Unfortunately, the senior Thomas didn’t seem to have gotten the memo and now he could jeopardize the reputation of both himself and his son.
Who is Rodney Thomas
Rodney Thomas from Pennsylvania is the father of Yale University cornerback Rodney Thomas II. His son was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The versatile player who played safety, cornerback, and linebacker was listed by the Colts as a cornerback.
“I’ve developed a nice skillset to be able to contribute to anything I’m asked to do, so I’m ready to get to work and help where I can, help where I’m asked to, for sure,” younger Thomas said after learning his role with the team.
The 25-year-old played in all 17 games in his rookie year, starting 10 of them, and finished with 52 tackles and 4 interceptions. Prior to that, during his time in college, he started nine games at linebacker and was named All-Ivy Honorable Mention for the 2019 campaign.
Rodney Thomas II’s father receives a $5K fine and one year in prison for air rifle-killing a bald eagle
Since the bald eagle is the national bird of the United States, all American states have the authority to punish violators of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act very seriously. On May 12, an eagle was allegedly shot dead in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, by the Colts player’s father using an air rifle.
The act “prohibits anyone, without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior, from “taking” bald or golden eagles, including their parts (including feathers), nests, or eggs.”
REPORT: Rodney Thomas, the father of Indianapolis #Colts defensive back Rodney Thomas II, has been arrested for allegedly fatally shooting a bald eagle in Pennsylvania, per the @nypost. pic.twitter.com/kJG7aRDGEw
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) July 23, 2023
The eagle he killed, named Sam after a Muppet character, had been living there for almost two years. Thomas Senior killed the bird and turned himself in, to the police.
Following that, he was freed after posting $10,000 in bail. He may also serve a year in prison in addition to paying an estimated $5000 in fines. The younger Thomas is starting his second NFL season, but such setbacks from his fathers side could affect his form negatively.
