Report: Washburn Player Dead, NFL Draft Pick Shot

The world of football was left in shock after an off-campus shooting early Sunday morning. New York Giants 2019 NFL Draft pick Corey Ballentine and his Washburn teammate Dwane Simmons were shot.

Right after being told the Giants planned to get him on the roster, Ballentine was injured during the shooting. Washburn football player Dwane Simmons was killed in the incident.

Ballentine is expected to recover soon, but don’t have much information about the possible consequences of the wound.

Washburn President Dr. Jerry Farley released a statement after the shooting.

“We come to you this morning with sad and difficult news. early this morning two of our students were the victims of an off-campus shooting. Dwane Simmons, a junior and a member of the football team, was killed in the incident. In addition, Corey Ballentine, a senior, was injured. Ballentine is expected to make a full recovery.

“Any time we lose a student it is a sad occasion, but it is particularly poignant to lose a student through such a senseless act. Both Dwane and Corey have been great examples and representatives of the football team and of Washburn University in general. This was a terrible way to end a day which should have been a day of celebration and a day to look forward to Dwane’s upcoming year at Washburn and the beginning of Corey’s professional career.

“While we extend our deepest sympathies to Dwane’s family, we also want to make sure that the campus community knows that we have counseling resources available. We will have counselors on campus today and the counseling help line – 785-670-3100 – is available 24 hours a day.

“Please take advantage of these services as we keep both Dwane and Corey and their families in our thoughts and prayers.”

Tyler Greever reported that Simmons was a defensive back from Lee’s Summit. Washburn head coach Craig Schurig released a statement after Simmons’ death.

“Heartbreaking news about Dwane Simmons,” Schurig said, via Washburn’s official 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.”