NFL prospect Brian Robinson Jr was shot multiple times in an attempted robbery or carjacking in Washington, D.C. on Sunday and has been hospitalised with "non-life-threatening injuries".
A DC Metro Police spokesman said Robinson suffered two gunshot wounds to his lower extremities and that police are looking for 'two juveniles with shoulder-length dreadlocks. One was wearing a black or brown shirt with yellow smiley faces.'
Robinson was a third round draft pick for the Washington Commanders this year, with the running back signing a four-year rookie contract with the team. In a statement, the Commanders said: "We have been made aware that Brian Robinson, Jr. Was the victim of an attempted robbery or carjacking in Washington, D.C.
"He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is currently being treated at the hospital, where Team officials are on site with him. We ask that you please respect Brian's privacy at this time."
Commanders head coach Ron Rivera visited Robinson in hospital and said the 23-year-old was in "good spirits". He tweeted: "I just got done visiting w/Brian.
"He is in good spirits and wanted me to thank everyone for their kind words, prayers & support. He wants his teammates to know he appreciates them all for reaching out and he loves them all & will be back soon doing what he does best."
Robinson had been expected to begin the season as the Commanders' starting running back, with reports claiming he was set to replace Antonio Gibson after impressing during pre-season. Speaking about Robinson during pre-season, Rivera said: "I think he's a big, strong, powerful, downhill runner, more so than anything else.
"He does have a little bit of shake to him, but I think if you look at it, Antonio is a little more of an elusive guy, more off the edge where with Brian, we can take it inside or we can take it off the edge just overall."
Offensive coordinator Scott Turner, meanwhile, also said: "Brian's been great. He's a real serious guy. Football is extremely important to him. He takes a lot of pride in being a physical runner."
