New York Giants draft pick Corey Ballentine has been injured in a shooting just hours after being selected, with his college teammate Dwane Simmons killed in the incident.
Cornerback Ballentine was selected as the 180th overall pick in the sixth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery.
The two former Washburn College teammates were victims of the shooting just four blocks away from their college campus in Topeka, Kansas. The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday morning, with local police arriving on the scene at 1.46am.
Corey Ballentine was shot just a few hours after being drafted by the New York Giants. https://t.co/SYwM91yu6p
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) April 28, 2019
Dwane Simmons was pronounced upon arrival. Ballentine suffered a gunshot wound and was transferred to a nearby hospital. As of yet, no suspects have been arrested.
School president Dr. Jerry Farley wrote this in an open letter to the school community:
Any time we lose a student it is a sad occasion, but it is particularly poignant to lose a student through such a senseless act.
This was a terrible way to end a day which should have been a celebration and a day to look forward to Dwane’s upcoming year at Washburn and the beginning of Corey’s professional career.
At 180th overall, Ballentine is the highest selection in the history of the Division II school. He is also the first player to be selected from the school since 2008.
‼️Ballentine Blast‼️
Welcome to the #NYGiants, Corey Ballentine. pic.twitter.com/P3rF5nHCZb— New York Giants (@Giants) April 27, 2019
The New York Giants have also released a statement relating to the incident:
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.
