MADISON, Wis. — University of Wisconsin running back Montee Ball, a Heisman Trophy finalist last year, was the victim of what Madison Police are investigating as an "unprovoked assault" early Wednesday morning.
According to the police report, witnesses said five men attacked Ball while he was walking in the 500 block of University Avenue at 2:15 a.m. CT. Ball was "knocked to the ground and kicked" and taken to a hospital with head injuries, the report said.
The report stated that Ball did not know his attackers, who were last seen running south on North Frances Street toward the Kohl Center, leading police to investigate the incident as an unprovoked assault. The attackers were described as black males ranging from 5-foot-8 to 6-3 with small to heavy builds.
Madison Police Department spokesman Joel DeSpain said it is unclear whether the attack was an attempted robbery and added that Ball’s cell phone was missing.
"At this point, we don’t know if this victim was targeted because of who he is,” DeSpain said.
DeSpain said Ball had been out with friends and was walking home when the attack occurred. Two of Ball’s friends were walking directly in front of him and turned to see that Ball had been kicked to the ground by the five men, the police spokesman said. When a man ran from across the street to assist Ball, the perpetrators fled on foot.
DeSpain added that the police department would be interviewing other witnesses and examining surveillance video of the downtown area to see if it matches the description of the attackers. He noted that video from city cameras helped catch perpetrators of a shooting in the 600 block of University Avenue in May.
Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said in a statement that Ball had been released from hospital care and was under the supervision of UW’s sports medicine staff.
"My concern right now is for Montee's health and well-being," Bielema said. "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.”
Ball was released from the hospital after two hours and suffered a possible concussion, according to media reports.
The player's status for Wisconsin's first fall practice on Monday is uncertain. The Badgers open the season Sept. 1 against Northern Iowa.
"I appreciate the support and thank you for the concerns," Ball tweeted later Wednesday. "I will be okay! See you guys in September! #WiscONsin"
Ball has had a hard-luck offseason off the field since announcing in January he would return for his senior season. In May, he was arrested for trespassing after refusing to leave the porch of an apartment during the annual Mifflin Street Block Party. It was not an alcohol-related issue, and Ball was fined $429.
Last season, Ball rushed for 1,923 yards with 33 touchdowns and tied the FBS single-season record with 39 total touchdowns scored.
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