Ricky Pearsall, the 49ers’ first-round pick, is in stable condition after being shot in an attempted robbery in San Francisco.
Ricky Pearsall, the San Francisco 49ers’ first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was shot during an attempted robbery in San Francisco’s Union Square, according to a statement from San Francisco police.
Pearsall was reported to be in stable condition and the suspect was in custody. There were initially conflicting reports about whether he was shot in the chest or arm, but police later confirmed to the San Francisco Chronicle that the bullet was in the chest.
He was seen walking toward an ambulance while covering a wound to his chest in a video posted by a KTVU reporter on social media.
The Niners released a statement confirming that Pearsall was the victim of an alleged robbery attempt and described his condition as “serious but stable” after being shot in the chest:
“He was shot in the chest and is currently in serious but stable condition. We ask that you respect his privacy at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family.”
Police told KTXL’s Sean Cunningham that Pearsall was shot after a gunfight with a suspect who was trying to steal a Rolex watch while Pearsall was on his way to an autograph signing. The suspect was also reportedly shot in the chest and is now stable at San Francisco General Hospital, where Pearsall is being treated.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Police Chief William Scott released statements confirming and responding to the news, which comes at a time when crime in San Francisco has become a hotly contested issue (data so far this year shows robberies are down 22 percent).
Scott It was later revealed at a press conference. The suspect is a 17-year-old Tracy, California, male who is believed to have been alone. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said the state will file charges against him in juvenile court “at this time.”
“There is no indication that (Pearsall) was targeted because he is a football player,” San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said. “At this point, we believe this was an attempted robbery and we are very confident in that.”
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 1, 2024
Ricky Pearsall starred in Florida before being selected in the 49ers draft.
The Niners selected Pearsall with the 31st pick in the draft, adding him to a wide receiver room that already includes All-Pro Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Shortly after the shooting was reported, Samuel tweeted that Pearsall was “good.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rashad White, who played with Pearsall at Arizona State, also posted a response. Expressing shock.
Pearsall played at Arizona State and Florida State during his college career, racking up 965 receiving yards and six total touchdowns in his final season with the Gators. He was often viewed as a second-round pick heading into the draft, but was highly regarded for his route-running ability and soft hands as a receiver.
Injuries have limited Pearsall’s first NFL training camp so far, as he spent time on the non-football injured list with a hamstring strain and suffered a shoulder injury after being activated. It’s unclear how long he’ll miss due to the gunshot wound.
