When emergency responders arrived at the 1000 block of H Street NE in the Northeast District of Washington DC, Brian Robinson was lying on the ground bleeding. It’s just before 6 p.m. local time and police officers have been alerted to a shooting. At the time, the situation was still quite confused and the circumstances unclear.
Robinson is 23 years old. He’s a pro football running back for the Washington Commanders team. The season, beginning September 8, was to be his first in the NFL. But it will at least be delayed for him. Because Robinson was the victim of a crime.
According to Dustin Sternbeck, communications director for the Washington Metro Police Department, Robinson suffered “a couple of gunshot wounds to the lower extremities.” He was immediately transported to a local hospital.
He was hit in the legs by several pistol bullets, and a gun was found near the scene of the crime. Sternbeck said police have identified two potential suspects. Authorities are not yet sure whether Robinson was the victim of a stolen car or just an armed robbery.
Washington co-owners Dan and Tanya Snyder, President Jason Wright, coach Ron Rivera, team doctor Anthony Casolaro and clinical psychologist Dr. Barbara Roberts paid a visit to Robinson at the hospital. A statement from the club said Robinson had “no life-threatening injuries.” Commanders head coach Rivera wrote on Twitter: “I visited him. He is in good spirits and he has asked me to thank everyone for the words of encouragement, prayers and support.”
Robinson, according to Rivera, said he would be “back soon and getting back to doing what he does best.” Robinson emerged as Washington’s premier early-down back that summer. The coaching staff appreciate his consistency and strength and have been particularly impressed with him during training camp and the preseason gamesi.
“Brian was great,” offensive coordinator Scott Turner said recently, “He’s a really serious guy. Football is very important to him. He takes great pride in being a physically strong runner.” The 6-foot-1, 230-pound athlete from Alabama was drafted in the third round.
