LeBron James and other athletes showed an outpouring of support for Ricky Pearsall, the San Francisco 49ers rookie who was shot during an attempted mugging in San Francisco’s Union Square on Saturday.
The terrifying incident has sparked an online rally around the young wide receiver. Ricky Pearsall, drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in April, was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery in Union Square.
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Authorities believe the 17-year-old suspect targeted Pearsall not for his status as an NFL player but for his Rolex watch. The suspect was arrested at the scene and is currently in custody.
LeBron James and athletes rally around Pearsall
NBA legend LeBron James was among the first to express his support for Pearsall on social media.
“Facts bro!! Home, work and back home! Prayers to Ricky Pearsall,” LeBron James posted on Twitter, accompanied by three prayer hand emojis.
James wasn’t alone in his concern – Pearsall’s 49ers teammates also shared their well-wishes.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who recently signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the 49ers, expressed relief.
“Great News,” along with multiple praying emojis.
Fellow 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel also shared his relief.
“He’s good. Thank God!!!!”
Suspect wounded by own gun during struggle
According to San Francisco police, the attempted robbery took a dangerous turn when the 17-year-old suspect accidentally shot himself during a struggle with Pearsall, who refused to hand over his watch.
The suspect sustained a gunshot wound to his hand or arm and was taken to San Francisco General Hospital, where he remains in stable condition. Pearsall was also hospitalized with a chest wound and is in serious but stable condition.
The San Francisco Police Department released a statement detailing the events of the shooting:
“On August 31, 2024, at approximately 3:37 p.m., San Francisco Police officers responded to the area of Geary Street and Grant Avenue on a report of a shooting,” the statement read.
“Upon arrival, officers located two male subjects suffering from injuries. Officers rendered aid and medics transported both subjects to a local hospital for further medical evaluation.
“During the preliminary investigation, officers learned one of the subjects attempted to rob the victim, San Francisco 49ers player Ricky Pearsall. During the attempted robbery, a physical altercation ensued, and both the suspect and victim were injured. The suspect is in custody and charges are pending at this time.”
