St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey endured gunshot wounds to the head on Tuesday evening.
The shooting occurred in Miami Gardens, Florida. Bailey was born and raised in nearby Miramar. The injuries sustained reportedly do not threaten the 25-year-old’s life. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons reports that 90 percent of gun-shot wounds to the head result in death. Bailey, who reportedly received two such wounds, spoke to Rams representatives and, according to reports, figures to survive.
The receiver made headlines last season when he offered a “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” gesture at the Edward Jones Dome before a 52-0 victory over the Oakland Raiders in which Bailey, who accumulated 100 yards receiving in the blowout, enjoyed his best game as a pro. The pose became a popular protest against law enforcement among “Black Lives Matter” activists after Ferguson, Missouri, police officer Darren Wilson shot and killed local teen Michael Brown.
“In light of the ferguson event we pay tribute to Mike Brown’s family,” Bailey posted after last season’s on-field display. “A life is so precious, do not take it for granted ppl.” The plea to appreciate life came almost exactly one year before a vile individual took his life, as well as the lives of several children, for granted.
Bailey caught 12 balls for 182 yards and a touchdown this season. He contributes to special teams for St. Louis as well, earning an NFC Special Teams Player of the Week nod last season in large part due to a punt return for a touchdown.
The third-year pro returned home to Florida after a four-game suspension for marijuana prevented him from playing until Week 14. Last season, Bailey popped positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
“Ever since I was little, all I ever wanted to do was play football,” Bailey posted a few weeks back in reaction to his punishment. “For a lot of kids who grew up like me it’s all we have. I really don’t know where I’d be without football. The NFL has given me an opportunity to live out my dream and be an inspiration to others who love the game. For me to put that opportunity at risk was idiotic. My age isn’t an excuse, and my environment & how I grew up isn’t an excuse.”
He competed at West Virginia in college for three years before the Rams drafted him in the third round in 2013. Bailey set a single-season Mountaineers record in compiling 1,279 receiving yards in 2011.
“We are aware Stedman Bailey was involved in an incident this evening,” the St. Louis Rams noted in a statement. “We have spoken with Stedman and he is in the hospital in critical, but stable, condition. We are gathering facts about the situation and will provide updates as we learn more.”