49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot during an attempted robbery in central San Francisco on Saturday, officials said.
The 49ers confirmed in a statement that the player, 23, had been shot in the chest.
“We ask that you please respect his privacy at this time,” the team said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family.”
“He’s good,” 49ers teammate Deebo Samuel posted on X. “Thank god!!!!”
Mayor London Breed said in an X post that the robbery happened in Union Square and extended her thoughts to Pearsall and his family.
Officials said the player is in a serious by stable condition.
San Francisco police responded to reports of a shooting. “Upon arrival, officers located two male subjects suffering from injuries,” they said in a press release.
“During the preliminary investigation, officers learned one of the subjects attempted to rob the victim, San Francisco 49ers player Ricky Pearsall,” police said. “During the attended robbery, a physical altercation ensued, and both the suspect and victim were injured.”
Both were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds and the suspect is in custody with charges pending.
“This kind of violence has no place in our city and will never be tolerated,” San Fransisco police chief William Scott said on X.
Officials said later in a press conference that the 17-year-old juvenille suspect did not appear to have deliberately targeted Pearsall as a 49ers player. He was said to be a resident of Tracy, California.
The investigation is ongoing and Interim District Attorney of San Francisco Brooke Jenkins said that her team aims to make a charging decision by Tuesday or Wednesday next week.
Pearsall,was drafted in the first round in April by the 49ers with the 31st overall pick but has has been slowed by injuries since joining the team.
He missed time during training camp due to hamstring and shoulder issues before returning to practice this past week with a noncontact blue jersey while his shoulder heals.
Pearsall began his college career at Arizona State and transferred to Florida for his final two seasons. He had 65 catches for 965 yards and four touchdowns last season for the Gators and finished his college career with 159 catches for 2,420 yards and 14 TDs.
The Niners hoped Pearsall would contribute as a rookie and a backup to starters Brandon Aiyuk and Samuel.
Police said anyone with information can call the SFPD tip line at 1-415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
From The Epoch Times