Man charged in extortion attempt against Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu

According to a report from television station WDSU, a New Orleans man has been arrested for trying to extort more than $1 million from new Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu.

According to a federal affidavit reviewed by WDSU Investigates, Geourvon Sears, a distant relative of Mathieu, is accused of telephoning and texting Mathieu where he threatened to go to the media with allegations of sexual misconduct.

According to WDSU, Sears called Mathieu in Kansas City in April, demanding “$1.5 million deposited into his account,” and there was another incident where Sears sent Mathieu a text demanding “$5 million by Friday, I’m done talking, emailing TMZ now.”

The court records also said that days later Sears allegedly told relatives of Mathieu that, “I want $1.5 million by Friday or I am going to kill all you all.”

Court records said that as a result of these contacts, Mathieu’s family feared for their safety.

Mathieu — a New Orleans native — was in his hometown over the weekend hosting a charity event as federal investigators were closing in on Sears, who was arrested and then released on bond.

Mathieu, 27, is a six-year NFL veteran who played five seasons with the Arizona Cardinals and spent last year with the Houston Texans. In March, he signed a three-year deal with the Chiefs worth $42 million.