Some unexpected news broke Tuesday afternoon surrounding former Arizona State running back Rachaad White. Apparently, the current Tampa Bay Buccaneer is the victim of an extortion attempt, according to a statement released from two Tampa-based attorneys speaking on behalf of White:
On the situation surrounding Rachaad White: pic.twitter.com/SqpXusMNKl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 25, 2025
"The FBI and other appropriate authorities are currently looking into an extortion attempt against Rachaad White. Illegal and defamatory threats and demands against Rachaad and his family will be met with zero tolerance. We will continue to exercise all legal avenues to protect Rachaad's rights as a victim of extortion."
The release from attorneys Michelle Gervais and TJ Grimaldi was met with relative surprise online, as there had seemingly been no indication of anything untoward going on with regards to White. The attorneys provided no further update beyond the statement, and there is currently no other details regarding the situation.
While it should be stressed that there are no details regarding White and this alleged extortion attempt beyond what White's attorneys have stated publicly, it is worth noting an ESPN report from last week detailing the FBI's efforts in thwarting a gang that had been targeting various professional athletes.
At the time, ESPN added that an unidentified player for the Buccaneers was among the athletes targeted by said gang. There has been no confirmation if that report is in any way related to White's situation. Until more details are released by White's attorneys, anything else is merely speculation.