In connection to an armed robbery investigation, arrest warrants have been issued in South Florida for two NFL cornerbacks: DeAndre Baker of the New York Giants and Quinton Dunbar of the Seattle Seahawks.
Both players are wanted on four counts of armed robbery with a firearm, and Baker is also wanted on four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, according to Miramar Police.
According to reports, the alleged incident took place at a party late Wednesday night. The issued warrant says Baker and Dunbar are accused of stealing watches and money while armed with semi-automatic weapons.
However, the warrant includes conflicting reports about whether or not Dunbar was armed. Multiple witnesses stated they didn’t see a gun in his possession.
Several witnesses said Baker ordered another suspect wearing a red mask to shoot an individual who was just arriving at the party, according to the arrest warrant.
The NFL, which will review the incident under its personal conduct policy, has said it is aware of the matter. Both Baker and Dunbar are from Miami.
Expected to Play Important Roles On Field
Despite being flagged by multiple teams as a risky draft prospect because of his attitude, Baker was selected with the 30th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft after the Giants traded up into the first round to select the 22-year-old.
In a statement released by the Giants, the organization said, “We are aware of the situation. We have been in contact with DeAndre. We have no further comment at this time.”
Baker is currently listed as the starting left cornerback on New York’s depth chart. Last year, Baker finished with no interceptions, 55 tackles, and allowed seven touchdowns as the nearest defender (seventh-most in the NFL).
According to reports, the coaching staff had trust issues with Baker, was benched late in the season due to effort and performance issues.
Dunbar made his way into Washington’s 53-man roster after being picked up as an undrafted free agent out of Florida in 2015. In five years with the Redskins, Dunbar made 25 starts. Last season, Dunbar recorded 37 tackles and four interceptions.
According to reports, Dunbar asked to be traded or released this offseason due to dissatisfaction with his salary. The 27-year-old was set to make $3.25 million in the final year of his contract.
The Redskins traded Dunbar to the Seahawks, where Dunbar was expected to compete with Tre Flowers for the starting right cornerback position.
Dunbar was introduced to Seattle reports via video conference before his arrest warrant was issued Thursday. During the conference, Dunbar said, “I just hope to repay [the Seahawks] with the way I carry myself as a person.”
Giants’, Seahawks’ Prospects In 2020
Neither the Giants or Seahawks are particularly well-positioned to lose cornerbacks who were expected to see plenty of the field, should Baker and Dunbar be suspended. While Seattle can lean back on Flowers, they had Dunbar listed as a starting cornerback.
For New York, this is another obstacle keeping the team from gaining momentum as they attempt to catch the Cowboys and Eagles in the NFC East. At +900, the Giants are longshots to win the NFC East, trailing both Philly (+140) and Dallas (-105).
Seattle has a better roster and overall team but also plays in a more difficult division, which features the reigning NFC champions.
Apart from the up-and-coming Cardinals (+900), all other teams are expected to contend for the NFC West title. San Francisco remains the favorite with odds of +100, and Seattle’s +240 odds place them ahead of the +370 Rams.
To win the NFC Championship, the Seahawks own the sixth-best odds of +1000. New York’s +4000 odds are better only than division-rival Washington’s +7000 odds among the entire conference.
