New York Giants NFL draft pick Corey Ballentine has been shot in an incident that saw his former college team-mate killed.
The shooting happened in Topeka, Kansas just hours after being signed by the American Football franchise.
It is believed his former team-mate, Dwane Simmons, was killed in the shooting, dying on the street where the incident took place near their university. He was 23.
Hours earlier Ballentine, also 23, was selected by the Giants as a 180th pick in the 2019 NFL draft.
He is a highly-rated defensive cornerback and played college football at Washburn University in Topeka.
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There is no information as yet about where he was shot or the severity of his injury has been released beyond the fact his injury was non-life-threatening.
Today the New York Giants said: "The Giants are aware of the situation and have spoken to sixth-round pick Corey Ballentine after he was shot. He is recovering in the hospital.
"We have spoken to Corey. We are aware of the tragic situation and continue to gather information. Our thoughts are with Dwane Simmons’ family, friends and teammates and the rest of the Washburn community.”
Upon being drafted yesterday, Balletine tweeted: "It’s all a crazy dream until you do it. I can’t even explain the emotions I have right now. Shout out 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 #GiantsPride."
A statement from Washburn University read: "We come to you this morning with sad and difficult news. Early this morning two of our students were the victims of an off-campus shooting.
"Dwane Simmons, a junior and a member of the football team, was killed in the incident. In addition, Corey Ballentine, a senior, was injured. Ballentine is expected to make a full recovery.
"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.
"Both Dwane and Corey have been great examples and representatives of the football team and of Washburn University in general.
"This was a terrible way to end a day which should have been a day of celebration and a day to look forward to Dwane’s upcoming year at Washburn and the beginning of Corey’s professional career."
Bellentine is expected to make a full recovery.
