Indianapolis Colts safety Rodney Thomas’s father arrested for KILLING bald eagle in tragic incident
Thomas Sr. paid a $10000 fine for bail.
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(R) Rodney Thomas (Image Credits: Daily Mail/The Athletic)
Rodney Thomas, the father of Indianapolis Colts safety Rodney Thomas II, was arrested this week after he allegedly shot and killed a bald eagle while hunting. The bald eagle, named ‘Sam’ after the popular Disney TV show ‘Muppets’, was the victim of the unlawful demeanor of Rodney Thomas. It had been living in the township area for the past 20 years. The tragic and sudden end of the eagle has met with severe criticism mixed with sorrow.
“The killing of Sam had a major impact on the entire community,” said resident Linda Carnevali. She also asked the question, “Why would anyone want to harm our eagles?”
The 50-year-old Rodney Thomas violated the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940, a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh indicated, according to the New York Post. It said that Thomas “knowingly or with wantonness” killed a bald eagle on May 12th at Mount Pleasant Township near the Cherry Valley Dam, Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan said, “This office remains committed to investigating and prosecuting the unlawful killing of bald eagles.” Since 1782, the bald eagle has served as a symbol of pride for the people of the United States.
On May 15, an unidentified man turned himself in and willingly confessed after several locals tipped off the authorities about the incident taking place, CBS News Pittsburgh reported. The police let go of Sr. Thomas after he paid a $10,000 fine. However, he still faces the prospect of serving one year in jail with a $5000 fine if convicted.
Who is the Indianapolis Colts safety, Rodney Thomas?
Thomas is a Pittsburg native and was born on June 26, 1998. He studied at Central Catholic High School and later attended Yale. The 25-year-old was one of the standout performers for their college football team. He played alongside Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin during his high school days.
Rodney Thomas entered the 2022 NFL Draft in order to try his luck. He was the Colts’ 239th pick in the seventh round. In week 5, on Thursday Night Football, Thomas managed to intercept Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson.
The 6-foot-2 safety played 17 games for the Indianapolis Colts last season. Thomas had 52 successful tackles, of which 34 were solo and 18 were assisted, for an average of 12.8 and 4 interceptions. Nevertheless, the Colts themselves did not have a great 2022–23 campaign. They finished third in the AFC South with an abysmal 4-12-1 record.
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Ishan Misra
(3062 Articles Published)