There was some scary news earlier this week that Wisconsin running back Montee Ball was the victim of what was initially reported as an ‘unprovoked assault’ by five unknown assailants early Wednesday morning.
Ball sustained head injuries and was sent to the hospital before being released a short time later.
The first and most important detail was the Ball is going to be okay, but as police look into the situation, there are naturally other components of the story that develop -- like motive. The Wisconsin State Journal is reporting that Madison police are looking into a “precipitating event” that may have led to Ball’s attack. From the paper:Central District Capt. Carl Gloede said Thursday police were still trying to find out what that incident was, when and where it happened, what Ball’s involvement might have been, and whether other football players were involved.
A witness to the attack on Ball by five men at about 2:15 a.m. in the 500 block of University Avenue said one of the assailants said something like, “One down, nine to go,” Gloede said, suggesting others might have been targeted.
The report later clarifies, citing a witness, that the other nine could be football players. Ball previously stated he didn’t know the identities of his attackers.
Given the amount of uncertainty that still surrounds the attack, it can’t be stressed enough that “precipitating event” could mean anything. Madison police have already pointed out that what they’re looking for is not in reference to a TMZ report claiming Ball was previously involved in a fight. Ball also denied the TMZ report on his Twitter account.
The Heisman candidate is expected to miss the beginning of preseason camp as he recovers from his injuries, which include a concussion.
“Unfortunately, he got beat up pretty bad,” Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said