Teammates, players around NFL react to shocking Stedman Bailey shooting
Teammates and players around the NFL are reacting with shock and prayer to the news early Wednesday morning that St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey was shot while riding in a car with his family.
The former third-round pick is in stable condition after being struck twice in the head during an apparent drive-by shooting in Miami Gardens, Fla., according to the NFL Network’s Mike Silver and Ian Rapoport. Bailey reportedly suffered non life-threatening injuries and will undergo additional surgery on Wednesday.
Bailey, who is currently serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, was a passenger along with two young relatives in a car driven by his cousin, who did suffer life-threatening injury upon shielding the children from the bullets, according to Rapoport’s Twitter feed.
As rumors circulated around the NFL, the Rams offered a rather vague statement on their website:
“We are aware Stedman Bailey was involved in an incident this evening. We have spoken with Stedman and he is in the hospital in critical, but stable, condition. We are gathering facts about the situation and will provide updates as we learn more.”
Meanwhile, Bailey’s teammates called for prayers on Twitter from their fans on the eve of Thanksgiving.
Likewise, players from around the NFL responded in kind with regard to every athlete’s worst nightmare.
Bailey starred for Miramar High School in Hollywood, Fla., before reaching All-American status at West Virginia University. His 1,622 yards and 25 touchdowns as a junior both set Mountaineers records. Bailey has collected 843 yards and two touchdowns on 59 catches in two-plus seasons in St. Louis. The entire NFL community is obiviously praying the 25-year-old recovers well enough to return to the field again.
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Ben Rohrbach is a contributor for Ball Don’t Lie and Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @brohrbach
