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Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. is in stable condition after being shot in the lower extremities during a possible attempted carjacking or armed robbery in Washington, according to a D.C. police spokesman.
Spokesman Dustin Sternbeck confirmed that Robinson was the victim and that the shooting happened shortly before 6 pm Sunday in the 1000 block of H Street NE. Robinson was shot twice and taken to a hospital for treatment. The injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Police are investigating the possibility that the incident may be an armed robbery or attempted carjacking. They said they recovered the firearm in the 700 block of 10th Street NE, a block south of the shooting scene, and were looking for two young men with shoulder-length dreadlocks. One wore a black or brown shirt with yellow smiley faces. No further details were immediately available.
“We have been advised that Brian Robinson Jr. was the victim of an attempted armed robbery or carjacking in Washington, DC,” commanders said in a statement Sunday night. “He suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is currently being treated in hospital, where team officials are meeting with him. We ask that you respect Brian’s privacy at this time.”
A person with knowledge of the situation said manager Ron Rivera was among the Chiefs’ contingent with Robinson at the hospital. Team owners Daniel and Tanya Snyder, president Jason Wright, general manager Martin Mayhew, medical director Tony Casolaro and director of mental wellness Barbara Roberts were also with Robinson and his family.
“I just finished visiting [with] Brian,” Rivera tweeted Sunday night. “He’s in good spirits and wanted to thank everyone for their kind words, prayers and support. He wants his teammates to know that he thanks them all for getting there and that he loves them all and that he will soon be back doing what he does best.”
I just visited with Brian. He is in good spirits and wanted to thank everyone for their kind words, prayers and support. He wants his teammates to know that he thanks them all for making it and that he loves them all and will soon be back doing what he does best.
— Ron Rivera (@RiverboatRonHC) August 29, 2022
Robinson, 23, was drafted by the Commanders in the third round this year out of Alabama. He finished his college career tied for 10th in Crimson Tide history with 29 touchdowns and 11th with 2,704 rushing yards. He impressed throughout the offseason with the Chiefs, so much so that he was expected to play a major role in the offense when the regular season begins on Sept. 11.
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The rookie traveled with the Commanders to their final preseason game Saturday in Baltimore but did not play, along with the team’s starters. In limited playing time in the first two preseason games, Robinson totaled 14 carries for 57 yards and a touchdown, plus two catches for 15 yards.
“Brian has been great,” offensive coordinator Scott Turner said during the preseason. “He’s a very serious guy. Football is very important to him. He takes a lot of pride in being a physical runner. … I think he’s going to continue to improve as the reps go up, too.”