Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jerome McDougle was shot in the stomach by armed robbers, police said Friday. The team said he was in good condition after surgery.
He originally was listed in critical condition. However, Derek Boyko, the Eagles’ director of media operations, said McDougle had spoken to police, who said the player was able to walk on his own.
“Our understanding is that Jerome is in good condition after undergoing surgery,” the team said in a statement. “At this time, we are still in the process of gathering the facts of his situation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jerome and his family.”
McDougle, who played at the University of Miami and is a South Florida native, had been scheduled to be in the team’s camp Monday, the reporting date for Eagles’ veterans. Rookies reported Friday.
McDougle, 27, was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where he underwent the surgery.
Three armed robbers approached McDougle in his silver Mercedes coupe late Thursday, police said.
McDougle opened the door and tried to get out of the car, but another robber fired two shots, which police said missed him and hit the inside of the door.
The robbers, who police said were likely teens, fled on foot and remain at large. It wasn’t clear whether McDougle was in his car or near it when he was approached, police said.
What this article didnt say is that McDougle was strapped too. He shot one of the dudes and now the police are waiting for someone to show up at the hospital with a bullet wound.