Wisconsin RB Montee Ball assaulted by five men, hospitalized but OK
Wisconsin running back Montee Ball was a victim of an unprovoked attack early Wednesday morning, according to police, and had to be hospitalized.
Ball was attacked by five men near Wisconsin's campus around 2:15 a.m., according to the police report. They knocked him to the ground and began kicking him. Ball was taken to the hospital but was released a couple hours later after being diagnosed with a possible concussion. Both the Wisconsin athletic department and Ball say the injuries he sustained are minor.
"I appreciate the support and thank you for the concerns.I will be okay! See you guys in September! #WiscONsin" Ball tweeted.
He also mentioned on Twitter that he didn't have a phone, confirming reports that his phone had been stolen in the attack.
According to the police report, Ball didn't know his attackers, who ranged in size from 5-foot-8 to 6-3. All were African-American males.
"My concern right now is for Montee's health and well-being," coach Bret Bielema said in a statement. "Montee has been released from the hospital and is under the care and supervision of our sports medicine staff. We will continue to evaluate him as we approach the start of fall camp this weekend. I do expect Montee to make a full recovery."
Ball, a Heisman Trophy finalist last season, led the nation with 1,923 rushing yards and he tied Barry Sanders' FBS record with 39 total touchdowns. In just 18 starts, Ball is averaging 142.9 rushing yards and has never lost a fumble in 617 career touches.
Wisconsin is slated to start fall camp on Monday.
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