Michigan State University freshman basketball player Jeremy Fears Jr. was shot in the leg while visiting his hometown of Joliet, Illinois, the university confirmed. The shooting occurred either late Friday night or early Saturday morning. Although Fears' injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, he underwent surgery and is now recovering. MSU coach Tom Izzo released a statement expressing his support for Fears' recovery and emphasizing that his focus is on assisting him during this difficult time.

The Joliet Police Department, however, did not immediately respond to requests for more information about the incident. According to a statement obtained by ESPN, an 18-year-old male and a 19-year-old woman were injured in the shooting as well. The male victim suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh, while the female victim sustained a wound to the pelvis. Thankfully, the woman's injuries are also not considered life-threatening. Reports suggest that the victims were inside a residence with friends when an unidentified gunman entered and started firing shots. It is not clear whether Fears or the other victims were specifically targeted by the shooter.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities continue to search for the suspect. The identities of the victims have not been released, but sources indicate that the details of the report align with what is known about Fears' involvement. Fears, a highly-touted recruit and McDonald's All-American, had a standout performance in a recent game against Stony Brook, recording a career-high 10 assists off the bench. The Spartans' basketball team is currently on a break and will face Indiana State on December 30.

Fears' shooting highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence, particularly in areas like Joliet. Incidents like this serve as a reminder of the need for increased efforts to address gun control and ensure the safety of communities. As Fears continues his recovery, the sports world and fans are rallying behind him, sending messages of support and wishing him a speedy return to the court.