Chris Johnson Shooting News & Update: Wounded Ex-Jets RB Now Stable
- Nens Bolilan
- Mar 09, 2015 08:19 AM EDT
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After getting shot in the shoulder during an early morning drive-by shooting in Orlando Florida, former New York Jets and Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson is now stable and recovering in a hospital, according to reports.
At 4 a.m. on Sunday, ESPN said Johnson was traveling with two other Johnsons (Dreekius Oricko and Reggie) in a Jeep when an unknown vehicle stopped beside them while the traffic light was red and opened fire at them at an intersection near the Florida Mall.
Dreekius, the driver, died on the spot while his two passengers both sustained gunshots on various parts of their bodies.
Time said the police was not able to list the relationship of the driver and his passengers since they had the same last names but it noted that Johnson was visiting Orlando, his hometown, over the weekend.
There are still no suspects on the incident as per the statement of the Orange Country Sheriff's office. It was also noted in the ESPN report that there were no arrests made as of this writing but authorities are already investigating a homicide.
In a statement quoted by ESPN, the Jets said that they are praying for their former running back and his companions. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris and everyone impacted by this tragic event," the statement read.
The 29-year-old Johnson will reportedly become a free agent on Tuesday. Last month, the Jets set him free by declining to "exercise and option" for this year.
AP Sports added that the shooting will make Johnson's career more uncertain as he is just set to be a free agent and no team has signed him up yet. In April last year, he was signed to a two-year $8-million deal by the Jets after playing in Tennessee for six years. His performance however was not good enough for the Jets to continue keeping him on the team.
Some reports said he lost the dynamic player he was years ago and was not able to to maintain his speed in the sports during his time with the Jets.
The shooting, according to AP Sports, is already Johnson's second off-the-field incident this offseason. Earlier this year, the NFL player was arrested in his hometown for carrying a firearm and charged for second-degree misdemeanor. Authorities reportedly said he was stopped after going past through a stop sign and when the apprehending officer approached his vehicle, he noticed the handle of a handgun between the seats of his car.
Johnson's recovery period is still unknown but he is certainly hoping that he will be back to playing to be able to sign with a new team before the new season starts.
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