Barcelona, Spain – Former professional basketball player Audie Norris reported an attempted robbery at Barcelona’s Sants train station late Tuesday night. Norris, who played for FC Barcelona and currently coaches, detailed the incident on social media, stating two individuals attempted to rob him even as he was retrieving his car from the parking facility.
According to Norris’s account, the would-be robbers sprayed his jacket as a distraction during the attempted theft. The incident occurred at a location that has seen increased reports of petty crime, particularly targeting tourists and commuters, according to reports. The Sants station is a major transportation hub in Barcelona, serving both national and international rail lines, as well as local metro and bus services.
Norris, known as “Atomic Dog” during his playing career, did not report any items stolen and appeared unharmed. He shared the details of the incident on X (formerly Twitter), prompting a wave of responses and concern from fans and fellow athletes.
“Anoche, en estación Sants en Barcelona, fui al parking a recoger el coche y 2 hombres intentaron robarme echándome spray en la chaqueta,” Norris posted. (Translation: “Last night, at Sants station in Barcelona, I went to the parking lot to pick up the car and 2 men tried to rob me by spraying my jacket.”)
Barcelona Train Station: A Known Hotspot for Crime
The Sants train station area has been identified as a location with a higher risk of crime, particularly pickpocketing and scams. A Reddit discussion from May 2024 highlighted the area around major transportation hubs in Barcelona, including Sants station, as potentially dangerous, especially at night. Reddit discussion on dangerous neighborhoods in Europe. The discussion noted that the area around the main train and bus stations, including Zapadni kolodvor, presents increased risks.
Barcelona, as a popular tourist destination, attracts a significant number of visitors, making it a target for opportunistic criminals. Authorities have increased patrols in key areas, but travelers are consistently advised to remain vigilant and take precautions against theft.
Norris’s Career and Recent Activity
Audie Norris, a former NBA player and a prominent figure in European basketball, has a long and distinguished career. He played for several teams, including the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks, before finding success with FC Barcelona. BasketNews reported on the incident earlier today. He is currently involved in coaching, having served as a coach at the American Basketball XMAS Camp in Barcelona, scheduled for December 27-31, 2026. American Basketball XMAS Camp in Barcelona. The camp offers training for young players aged 9-18 and includes airport transfers and accommodation.
Norris’s involvement in youth basketball development underscores his continued commitment to the sport and his presence in the Barcelona community. The camp aims to provide a “Made in USA” basketball experience, combining North American coaching techniques with injury prevention programs.
Looking Ahead
Local authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the attempted robbery involving Audie Norris. It remains unclear whether an investigation has been launched or if any suspects have been identified. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of personal safety and awareness, particularly in crowded public spaces like train stations. Increased vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial for both residents and visitors in Barcelona.
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