New York Giants drafted defensive back Corey Ballentine this past weekend in the sixth round from a small division II school and according to reports Bellentine and a college teammate were both shot and his teammate was killed.
Junior defensive back Dwane Simmons, 23, was killed while Corey Ballentine, also 23, was injured just hours after being taken in the sixth round Saturday by the Giants.
“Both Dwane and Corey have been great examples and representatives of the football team and of Washburn University in general,” Farley said in a statement. “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.”
The Giants said they are aware of the shooting, and Ballentine’s injuries are not life-threatening.
“I’ve been waiting on this opportunity for a lifetime really,” he told Giants coach Pat Shurmur after hearing the news of being drafted.
“We are aware of the tragic situation and continue to gather information,” the team said in a statement. “We have spoken to Corey and he is recovering in the hospital.”
Officers responded to a disturbance with gunshots in central Topeka, Kansas., roughly four blocks from campus, at approximately 1:46 a.m.
Officers discovered Simmons dead when they arrived.
Ballentine had been taken to an area hospital by private vehicle with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Trimble said officers were investigating several leads.
A school press conference scheduled for Sunday afternoon to celebrate Ballentine’s selection was postponed.
My thoughts and prayers are with both families. This was suppose to be a celebration. Once more information comes out this will be updated.
