NBA championship ring stolen from Boston Celtics assistant coach's home during break-in
WELLESLEY - Police in Wellesley and Newton are investigating two separate break-ins connected to Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown and an assistant coach.
Assistant coach's ring stolen
Sources tell WBZ that the Newton home of Celtics assistant coach Amile Jefferson was broken into Sunday evening while the team was playing in D.C. Thieves stole his 2024 NBA championship ring.
The mother of Celtics star Jaylen Brown was home Sunday when the Wellesley house that her son owns was broken into. Police found a broken window as they investigate whether the two incidents are connected.
Brown's mother was not hurt during that incident.
Wellesley and Newton police have yet to announce any arrests.
Joe Mazzulla on break-ins
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla addressed the break-ins Thursday before the Celtics game against the Bulls at the TD Garden.
"They're healthy, which is good. So, they're safe. It's a scary thing I think for people," Mazzulla said. "You know you see it happen around different sports and you're obviously aware of it but when it happens to you, you have an understanding of the risk there."
Mazzulla said the front office security team and the police departments have been working together to make sure they are as safe as they can be.
"I think the Celtics have done a great job doing what they can to educate on us on how to be better but at the same time make sure that we have a sense of security and peace amongst us, and I think that's been key this week," Mazzulla said. "The basketball stuff isn't as important as that so that's the number one thing."
Brown missed practice Tuesday to be with his mother after the incident on Sunday night.
"I'm really happy that JB got to spend time with his mom, and nobody was there at Amile's house, you know and they're doing better," Mazzulla said.
In a statement, the Boston Celtics said, "The safety of Celtics players, families and staff is of the utmost importance to us. We are aware of the recent incidents and are working with authorities."
"It's really scary to think about"
Celtics fans feel for Brown, his mother, and Coach Jefferson. "It's scary too, because they don't know who these people are," said Peter of Boston, calling it an invasion of privacy. "Why are you going into someone's house. What if there were kids home?"
It's a terrifying reality for pro athletes who are made vulnerable since their season schedules are on the internet.
"It's really scary to think about because they're basically stalking them to see if they can get into their homes," Nancy Glennon of Wellesley said.
The NBA and NFL have both warned their teams after the homes of several high profile athletes were targeted while they were away.
"There are no boundaries when it comes to celebrities and athletes and it's terrible," Maeve of Boston told WBZ-TV.
Others say the fact that they make millions a year doesn't excuse the fact that stealing is simply wrong.
"They earned that money themselves and it doesn't make it right that someone stole it from them," said Aaron, a tourist visiting from Nashville.
"Financial side, it's not like they can't afford to replace the things, if anything was stolen," Peter added. "It's more about the principle of things."
