Washburn University cornerback Corey Ballentine was drafted by the New York Giants on Saturday, but hours later the 23-year-old found himself the victim of a shooting that killed his Washburn teammate Dwane Simmons dead. Washburn president Jerry Farley confirmed the tragedy through a school letter.
"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," Farley said. "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."
Police explained that they brought Ballentine to hospital with a non-life threatening gunshot wound. He is expected to make a full recovery.
"We want to emphasize that we need those who were present to let us know what they saw," Topeka police spokeswoman Gretchen Koenen said. The shooting investigation is still ongoing.
The Giants also sent their condolences. "Our thoughts are with Dwane Simmons’ family, friends and teammates and the rest of the Washburn community," the team said in a statement.
Ballentine was the 2018 Cliff Harris Award winner and had just been celebrating his new career milestone before the shooting took place.
"It's all a crazy dream until you do it," he wrote on Twitter. "I can't even explain the emotions I have right now."
The Giants have confirmed that they have spoken with Ballentine and are keeping tabs on his situation.
