Two Washburn University football players were shot on early Sunday morning and one of them, defensive back Dwane Simmons, was killed.
The shooting happened early Sunday morning in Topeka, Kansas. The other player shot, defensive back Corey Ballentine, suffered non-life-threatening injuries according to police. The shooting happened hours after Ballentine was selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL draft by the New York Giants.
Topeka police said they responded to a disturbance that included gunfire early Sunday morning around 12:45 a.m. and Simmons was dead at the scene. Ballentine was taken to the hospital with his injury via a car.
"Heartbreaking news about Dwane Simmons" Washburn coach Craig Schurig said in a statement. “Dwane is one of the most energetic and well-liked players I have ever coached at Washburn. Dwane's infectious smile and love for football and his teammates was truly inspirational. Our prayers of healing go out to his family, his parents Navarro and Yasmine Simmons and Chaquilla Williams."
Police have begun a homicide investigation. The Giants issued a statement as well.
Washburn said Simmons had 59 career tackles with the school and played his senior season in 2018 after he had rehabbed from ACL injuries in both of his knees.
Ballentine was drafted with pick No. 180 in Saturday’s draft. He won the 2018 small college defensive player of the year award and was one of just three Division II players who were invited to the Senior Bowl.
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