New York Giants draft pick injured as friend shot dead hours after NFL selection
Defensive back Corey Ballentine was shot just hours after being selected by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the NFL draft, while his college teammate Dwane Simmons was killed in the incident.
The players, both aged 23 and teammates for Washburn Ichabods, were shot in an 'off campus' incident in Topeka, Kansas early on Sunday morning. Ballentine is expected to make a full recovery.
University president Jerry Farley said that the shooting was a "terrible way" to end a day which should have been a "celebration" for both the college, adding that it was supposed to be "a day to look forward to Dwane's upcoming year at Washburn and the beginning of Corey's professional career."
The Giants said that they were aware of the situation and are currently investigating the incident.
Statement from the #NYGiants: We are aware of the tragic situation and continue to gather information. We have spoken to Corey, and he is recovering in the hospital. Our thoughts are with Dwane Simmons’ family, friends and teammates and the rest of the Washburn community.
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 28, 2019
"We have spoken to Corey, and he is recovering in the hospital. Our thoughts are with Dwane Simmons' family," a statement posted to social media said.
Craig Schurig, head coach for the Ichabods, paid tribute to the deceased player, saying: "Dwane's infectious smile and love for football and his team-mates was truly inspirational."
Ballentine was the Giants' eighth selection (180th overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft, the system in which NFL teams pick players from the collegiate system to join their ranks.
.@cbxiii__ is fired up to be a Giant. 📞(presented by @VanHeusen) pic.twitter.com/pTrqWyMmny
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 27, 2019
It’s all a crazy dream until you do it. I can’t even explain the emotions I have right now. S/o the people that told me to pick a more realistic career. This is as real as it gets. Thank you to the Giants organization for believing in me. It’s only up from here. #GiantsPridepic.twitter.com/86EiwIP4fM
— Corey Ballentine🇯🇲 (@cbxiii__) April 27, 2019
"It’s all a crazy dream until you do it," Ballentine wrote on Twitter hours before the shooting. "I can’t even explain the emotions I have right now. S/o the people that told me to pick a more realistic career. This is as real as it gets. Thank you to the Giants organization for believing in me. It’s only up from here."
Also on rt.com NFL Draft 2019: Kyler Murray goes to Arizona as Josh Rosen contemplates his futureDetails of the shooting remain unclear though students who live near the scene told KSNT's Kelly Saberi that it took place at a "typical house party" and that "everyone fled the house" when the shooting began. It is understood that Simmons died at the scene.
No arrests have yet been made since police received reports from the scene at around 12.45am local time.
