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Jaguars' Collier In Critical Condition

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 3, 2008

JACKSONVILLE - Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier was shot and critically wounded outside an apartment building early Tuesday as he and a former teammate waited for two women they had met at a nightclub, police said.

Collier, 26, and former Jaguars defensive end Kenneth Pettway were waiting in a Cadillac Escalade when a gunman fired into the vehicle, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office spokesman Ken Jefferson said. Collier was shot several times, but it wasn't clear where he was hit.

Collier was in critical condition at Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, a nursing supervisor said early Tuesday. Later, spokesman Chris Turner said the hospital was no longer giving updates on Collier's condition. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said Collier's family had requested privacy.

Several Jaguars, including running back Maurice Jones-Drew, offensive tackle Khalif Barnes and linebackers Mike Peterson and Clint Ingram, gathered at the hospital. Others convened at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.

"The guys are in shock," Pro Bowl running back Fred Taylor said. "You see this kind of thing happen all the time on TV, but you never expect it in your own back yard. He's a good dude. I just pray for him and his family and wish the best for them. I'm sure he'll pull through."

Del Rio said the entire organization paused Tuesday, taking a break from game planning for the season opener at Tennessee and focusing on what he called "a very unfortunate incident, really, really a shame."

"Right now, he's battling for his life," Del Rio said on his weekly radio show Tuesday night. "All we can do right now is pray for healing."

Del Rio added that the team would "be fine."

The motive behind the attack was unknown, and the sheriff's office was investigating. Pettway, who was released Saturday, was not injured.

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