NFL star in critical condition after shooting

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey, who was recently suspended for his alleged use of banned substances, is in critical but stable condition after reportedly being shot in the head Tuesday night in Miami.

Multiple reports said Bailey was in Miami Gardens, Florida, when he was shot. Bailey went to high school in the Miami area.

Bailey, who turned 25 on Nov. 11, was a third-round pick in the 2013 draft out of West Virginia, where he was part of a prolific wide receiving tandem with Tavon Austin, whom the Rams selected with the eighth overall pick that year.

“We are aware Stedman Bailey was involved in an incident this evening,” the Rams’ statement said. “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.”

Bailey was suspended four games earlier this month for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He has two games remaining on the ban.

He served a two-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs at the start of last season as well.

Players from around the league reached out on social media shortly after reports emerged.

“Keep our brother @iamSB3 in your thoughts, prayers tonight. I don’t wanna believe it….” Rams defensive end Chris Long tweeted.

Pittsburgh Steelers star running back Le’Veon Bell used Twitter to send his best wishes, too.

“prayers to my brother Stedman Bailey,” he tweeted.

Bailey has started three games each of the last two seasons, and this year has 12 receptions for 182 yards with one touchdown. Last year, he had 30 receptions with a 14.5-yard average and one touchdown.

 

The Associated Press contributed to this article