On Sunday, two football players from Washburn University — one of which was selected by the Giants in the sixth round — were victims in an off-campus shooting.
Junior defensive back Dwane Simmons was killed in the shooting while cornerback Corey Ballentine sustained non life threatening injuries.
“Heartbreaking news about Dwane Simmons,” Washburn coach Craig Schurig said in a statement. “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.”
On Monday, Ballentine took to Twitter and gave a heartfelt tribute to his fallen friend at the hands of a senseless shooting:
Once the Giants got word of what happened, they immediately sent out a statement on the situation:
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Simmons started 17 games in three seasons, amassing 59 career tackles (42 solo) in addition to returning three interceptions for 129 yards and a touchdown.
Ballentine totaled 186 tackles (113 solo), 10 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and five interceptions across his career from 2015-18.
