Ricky Pearsall, rookie wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, was shot during a robbery in San Francisco's Union Square. The incident was first reported by Dion Lim of KGO-TV, who cited multiple sources confirming Pearsall as the victim:
BREAKING: multiple sources confirm to me Ricky Pearsall, 1st round draft pick for the 49ers shot in robbery incident in Union Square.
More to come… #SanFrancisco pic.twitter.com/qSDnjScgP7
— Dion Lim (@DionLimTV) August 31, 2024
Pearsall, who was a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, recently joined the 49ers with high expectations for his rookie season. Full details of the incident were not immediately confirmed by officials, but initial reports indicate that Pearsall was targeted in a robbery attempt, potentially regarding his Rolex watch.
RELATED Video shows Pearsall following shooting; 49ers issue statement
The incident occurred near the busy Union Square intersection at approximately 3:30 p.m. PT. Pearsall was reportedly shopping in the area due to a signing event when the attempted robbery took place. The wide receiver was scheduled to attend a sports memorabilia and card show convention at Cow Palace at 1:00 p.m. PT.
According to multiple reports, the suspect is in custody, and Pearsall is in stable condition at San Francisco General Hospital. Both Pearsall and the shooter sustained injuries during the altercation.
The news sent shockwaves through the NFL community, and the 49ers' organization, which released the following statement:
STATEMENT FROM THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
"San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was the victim of an attempted robbery and shooting this afternoon. He sustained a bullet wound to his chest and is in serious but stable condition. We ask that you please respect his privacy at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family."
49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel posted the following regarding his teammate's status shortly after the news first broke:
He's good🤞🏾🙏🏾. Thank god!!!!
— Deebo (@19problemz) September 1, 2024
Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
- Chris Wilson
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Written by:You may have seen Chris Wilson's work on NFL game theory, statistical analysis, and film breakdowns at Minute Media, FanSided, Niner Noise, Insidethe49, LockedonSports, ClutchPoints, and others. Follow Chris on Twitter @cgawilson.