National Football League

Cruz, Canty rattled by club shooting

Published Nov. 16, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

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New York Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty was still visibly shaken Wednesday recalling a shooting at a popular New York City nightspot that left one man dead.

Canty and Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz were at the trendy Juliet Supper Club in the Chelsea section of Manhattan early Tuesday morning when at least four shots were fired at two men, one of whom died.

"It's definitely scary to be around something like that," said Canty, who did not witness the shooting but heard the gun shots and hit the floor. "It's unfortunate that a tragedy took place. I hate that I was there at the venue. When something like that happens, it's an ugly incident. My heart and prayers go out to those involved and those affected. It's really unfortunate."

Cruz was there celebrating his birthday with friends. Teammate Antrel Rolle stopped by early to acknowledge Cruz but was gone by the time of the shooting.

"It's tough," Cruz said. "You want to have friends come out for your birthday. But you never want it to be this way."

"I hit the floor and everybody was in a melee trying to get out of there," Cruz added. "I just kind of waited. I didn't want to get trampled, so I just waited about five minutes and we made our way out of there."

At least four shots were fired from a 9mm pistol at about 2:20am local time, striking two men who cops said were the intended targets.

The dead man was identified as Artis Arthur, 43, of Brooklyn, who was shot in the torso, police said. A woman, described by the sources as an innocent victim, suffered a graze wound.

Actor Ryan Phillippe and R&B singer Estelle also were at the club. Contrary to published reports wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and cornerback Aaron Ross said they were not there.

Chiefs offensive tackle Branden Albert, former Eagles' safety Jarrad Page and NBA stars John Wall, Russell Westbrook, Chris Duhon and Bronx native Kemba Walker were at the club as well.

None of the athletes witnessed the shooting, a spokesman for the nightclub said.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he only heard about Cruz being at the bar "and thank God he was safe."

"I would speak to him as a parent would speak to their son," Coughlin said at practice Wednesday. "What happens good at 2:30, 3 in the morning? I've never been able to figure that one out. Beyond that is between he and I."

Coughlin said there was no violation of team rules.

Some 300 clubbers were partying when the shots were fired.

The shooting may have been set off when the gunman got into an argument with the two men about "bumping" a woman, a police source said.
 

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