Just hours after being selected by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Corey Ballentine was shot in an incident where another was killed.
The student-athlete who was killed was Dwane Simmons.
“Heartbreaking news about Dwane Simmons,” said head coach Craig Schurig, per the school’s athletics website. “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.”
Ralph Vacchiano of SNY shared this tragic news Sunday, noting that Ballentine is “expected to make a full recovery,” per Washburn University’s president.
Ballentine was the 180th player selected during the draft. The 5-foot-11, 197-pound cornerback was a track star at Shawnee Heights (KS) as well as playing football. He appeared in 44 games for Washburn, recording 173 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 20 passes defensed and two interceptions.