Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, August 1, 2012
Star Wisconsin running back and top Heisman contender Montee Ball was the victim of an ?unprovoked assault? on Wednesday morning, according to Madison police. Here is a link to a report on the incident.
Badger head coach Bret Bielema issued this statement:
?My concern right now is for Montee?s health and well-being. Montee has been released from the hospital and is under the care and supervision of our sports medicine staff. We will continue to evaluate him as we approach the start of fall camp this weekend. I do expect Montee to make a full recovery.?
Wisconsin spokesman Brian Lucas said he didn't know where Ball was going at the time of the attack or whether other players were with him. Most of the team has left campus for one last week off before camp begins, he said. Read more about the incident in this updated story.
Later Wednesday, Ball sent out this message from his Twitter account:
https://twitter.com/M_Ball28/status/230695581503336448
And Bielema followed up with this one:
Appreciate everyone reaching out concerned about Montee and his health. He walked into my office this afternoon and will be with us Sunday.
— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) August 1, 2012
In May, Ball was ticketed for trespassing in Madison. He was given a $429 ticket.
Ball is considered to be one of the nation?s top backs. He surprised many by opting to return for his senior season after running for a national-best 1,923 yards and tying the NCAA single-season record for touchdowns with 39 en route to finishing fourth in Heisman voting. Ball helped Wisconsin advance to a second consecutive Rose Bowl.
Wisconsin is blessed with great depth at running back, as James White is back for his junior season after running for 713 yards in 2011. He ran for 1,052 in 2010.
I am praying for my buddy and former teammate @MoneyBall28
Praying for a healthy and quick recovery. #OnWisconsin— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) August 1, 2012
Praying for @M_Ball28. Hope everything clears up and returns to normalcy. #GodBless
— Rob Henry (@RobHenryy) August 1, 2012
Seriously, what idiots would attack Montee Ball? Terrific kid.
— Teddy Greenstein (@TeddyGreenstein) August 1, 2012
Last week, Wisconsin released its "This Fall Belongs to Ball" campaign to promote its Heisman Trophy candidate. You can learn more about the campaign on your favorite social media outlets: Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, in addition to UWBadgers.com.
You can also track all stories about Ball on his BTN.com player news page.
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