Giants draft pick Corey Ballentine, shot just hours after the cornerback was taken in the sixth round Saturday, won't attend rookie minicamp this weekend in New Jersey.
Ballentine's friend Dwane Simmons, 23, was shot and killed in the same incident in which Ballentine was wounded.
“We have encouraged Corey to stay in Kansas this week to be with his family and friends as they mourn the loss and celebrate the life of his good friend and teammate Dwane Simmons,” the Giants said in a statement (via Newsday).
Ballentine and Simmons were teammates and roommates at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Simmons' funeral service is scheduled for Saturday in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, his hometown.
“Corey will be with us when it’s appropriate,” the Giants statement said.
Ballentine was struck in the backside in the shooting that took place near the Washburn campus shortly after midnight early Sunday morning.
He was released from the hospital later Sunday.
According to Newsday, both he and the Giants felt it was more appropriate for him to remain in the Midwest for the time being though he is physically able to join the team this weekend.
The Giants' rookie minicamp runs Friday through Sunday. The team begins organized team activities May 20.
