San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall is recuperating and said to be in "good spirits" after suffering a chest injury during an attempted robbery, according to a statement from his mother.
On August 31, Pearsall was wounded when a 17-year-old boy tried to steal his Rolex watch. His mother, Erin Pearsall, expressed her gratitude in a heartfelt Facebook post: "Update on my baby boy. First and foremost, I want to thank GOD for protecting my baby boy. He is extremely lucky; GOD shielded him," Erin wrote, in a message later shared by The Athletic’s David Lombardi on Sunday, September 1.
Erin further explained that the bullet entered Ricky’s chest and exited through his back, miraculously missing all vital organs. "He is in good spirits right now," she added about her 23-year-old son. "Life is so precious, my friends. Please love each other. My son was spared today by the grace of GOD 🙏. Please pray for my baby 🙏❤️."
Just hours following his mother's update, ESPN reported that Ricky had been discharged from San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, where he had been admitted immediately after the shooting. Initially listed in "serious but stable condition," his status was upgraded to "fair condition" on Sunday, prior to his release later that day.
According to the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), the incident occurred in San Francisco's Union Square around 3:37 p.m. local time on August 31. Officers arrived to find Pearsall injured, alongside another individual identified as the suspect.
At a subsequent news briefing, SFPD Chief William Scott revealed that the suspect, a 17-year-old male from Tracy, California, attempted to flee but was swiftly apprehended by officers. Both Pearsall and the suspect were transported to the hospital for further evaluation.
The SFPD’s initial statement detailed that a "physical altercation ensued" after the suspect tried to rob the athlete. "A struggle between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect ensued, and gunfire from the suspect's weapon struck both Mr. Pearsall and the suspect," Chief Scott elaborated.
Initially, the authorities did not specify what the suspect had attempted to steal. However, Supervisor Aaron Peskin later informed The Los Angeles Times that the target was Ricky's Rolex watch. Peskin, representing San Francisco’s Union Square district, remarked, “Police told me the teen tried to rob the player of his watch, but Ricky wasn’t having any of it."
There is "no indication" that the suspect targeted Ricky because he is a professional athlete, according to Chief Scott. Pearsall had been on his way to a signing event when the incident took place, as reported by FOX 40.
The suspect is currently in custody, with charges pending, while the investigation remains active, authorities confirmed.
Drafted by the 49ers as their first-round pick and the 31st overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Ricky Pearsall had previously played for the Arizona State Sun Devils before transferring to the University of Florida for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Following the incident, the 49ers released a statement requesting privacy for the rookie. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family," the team stated.
The Quran - Chapter Al-Haqqah : 09 - 10
Also, Pharaoh and those before him, and ˹the * of˺ the overturned cities ˹of Lot˺ indulged in sin,
each disobeying their Lord’s messenger, so He seized them with a crushing grip.
