|
Former UM star shot in Miami robbery attempt
Three masked men shot former star University of Miami football player Jerome McDougle late last night during a robbery attempt in South Miami-Dade County, police said on Friday.
McDougle, a former defensive end for the Hurricanes and at Ely High School in Pompano Beach, now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was listed in good condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center, where he was airlifted with a gunshot wound to the abdomen, according to Miami-Dade police.
When McDougle, 26, pulled into the driveway of a home at Southwest 122nd Court and 203rd Terrace around 11:30 p.m. Thursday three masked men, described as teenagers between the ages of 15 and 17, confronted him with weapons drawn.
The teens demanded valuables and shot him in the abdomen when he exited the vehicle to remove his wallet, Miami-Dade police said. The gunmen fled on foot after firing two more times. Those bullets missed McDougle and hit the door of his silver Mercedes-Benz coupe.
McDougle, who splits his residences between Philadelphia and Miami, was flown to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center. He underwent surgery there later in the morning.
He originally was listed in critical condition. However, Derek Boyko, the Eagles' director of media operations, said McDougle had spoken to team officials and was walking around his hospital room.
``Our understanding is that Jerome is in good condition after undergoing surgery,'' the team said in a statement.
McDougle was due to be in the team's camp Monday, the reporting date for Eagles' veterans. Rookies reported Friday.
After three seasons at UM, where he tallied 114 tackles and 31 sacks, the Eagles selected McDougle with the 15th selection of the 2003 draft, signing him to a six-year $12.6 million contract that included a $6.1 million signing bonus.
Following an injury-plagued rookie season, McDougle played in 11 regular-season games and two playoff games during the 2004-2005 NFL season. He was projected as the first-teamer on the depth chart at right defensive end when the Eagles opened training camp on Monday, but now it appears he might miss most, if not all, of this season.
"At this time, we are still in the process of gathering the facts of his situation," the Eagles said in a statement. "As soon as more information becomes available, we will keep the media and fans informed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jerome and his family."
In Albany, N.Y., where the New York Giants reported for training camp Friday, McDougle's former Miami teammate, Jeremy Shockey, said he believed his friend had been poised for a breakout season in 2005.
``He's definitely worked hard this offseason,'' Shockey, the Giants' tight end, said. ``He's preparing to have a big year and something like this happens. All you can do is pray for him, hope the best comes out.''
In a statement, Miami coach Larry Coker said the school's ``football family was shocked to hear'' of the shooting. ``He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers,'' Coker said.
McDougle's brother, Stockar, was signed by the Miami Dolphins in the offseason.
Anyone with information on the attempted robbery or the gunmen should call 305-471-TIPS. There is a $1,000 reward for any tip that leads to an arrest.
|
We'll see. In another argument pro-Lions that doesn't discredit their division: they've got a lot of young talent, especially in the offensive skill positions. If they stay healthy, Mooch could do some pretty great things.
