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Teammates, players around NFL react to shocking Stedman Bailey shooting
Teammates and players around the NFL are reacting with shock and prayer to the news early Wednesday morning that St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey was shot while riding in a car with his family.
The former third-round pick is in stable condition after being struck twice in the head during an apparent drive-by shooting in Miami Gardens, Fla., according to the NFL Network's Mike Silver and Ian Rapoport. Bailey reportedly suffered non life-threatening injuries and will undergo additional surgery on Wednesday.
Bailey, who is currently serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, was a passenger along with two young relatives in a car driven by his cousin, who did suffer life-threatening injury upon shielding the children from the bullets, according to Rapoport's Twitter feed.
Here's the latest on the Stedman Bailey shooting from Miami Gardens police. pic.twitter.com/ZBBPyM4hsd
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) November 25, 2015
As rumors circulated around the NFL, the Rams offered a rather vague statement on their website:
“We are aware Stedman Bailey was involved in an incident this evening. We have spoken with Stedman and he is in the hospital in critical, but stable, condition. We are gathering facts about the situation and will provide updates as we learn more.”
Meanwhile, Bailey's teammates called for prayers on Twitter from their fans on the eve of Thanksgiving.
Prayers up for my bro @iamSB3 .....
— Kendall Langford (@KendallLangford) November 25, 2015
The devil is a lie !!!! Prayers up to my bro @iamSB3 !!! Please keep him in your prayers !
— Trumaine Johnson (@Trujohnson2) November 25, 2015
Keep our brother @iamSB3 in your thoughts, prayers tonight. I don't wanna believe it....
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) November 25, 2015
I'm praying for my brother @iamSB3 and his family ..God will see this through I know it.. 🙏🏾
— Rodney McLeod (@Rodney_McLeod4) November 25, 2015
Strong spirits and heavy prayer up for my bro @iamSB3
— Isaiah Pead (@iPead) November 25, 2015
Everyone please pray for one of our brother @iamSB3 And his family!!! Terrible news and may God be with him and his family😔😔🙏🏿#pray4SB
— Alec ogletree (@B_easy_uga9) November 25, 2015
Praying for guardian angels over Sted. We're with you brother.
— Johnny Hekker (@JHekker) November 25, 2015
I'm sending you and your fam my wish. #StedStrong
— Mr.Pix6Sh*t (@JjenkzLockdown) November 25, 2015
Prayers up for my man Steddy B!
— Chris Givens (@CG1three) November 25, 2015
Worst way to wake up.. @iamSB3 prayers up brother🙏🏿
— Eugene Sims (@EugeneSims2) November 25, 2015
Likewise, players from around the NFL responded in kind with regard to every athlete's worst nightmare.
prayers to my brother Stedman Bailey
— Le'Veon Bell (@L_Bell26) November 25, 2015
Lord please be with Stedman Bailey and his family at this time! Give them the strength, faith, and healing they need to push through!
— Mark Ingram II (@MarkIngram22) November 25, 2015
My prayer going out to my lil bra !!!! WVU family first football second !!! https://t.co/r4YLGzYITI
— ADAm Pacman Jones (@REALPACMAN24) November 25, 2015
Bailey starred for Miramar High School in Miramar, Fla., before reaching All-American status at West Virginia University. His 1,622 yards and 25 touchdowns as a junior both set Mountaineers records. Bailey has collected 843 yards and two touchdowns on 59 catches in two-plus seasons in St. Louis. The entire NFL community is obiviously praying the 25-year-old makes a full recovery and returns to the field again.
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is a contributor for Ball Don't Lie and Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at rohrbach_ben@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @brohrbach
