Corey Ballentine, Giants sixth-round draft pick, injured in shooting

Giants sixth-round draft pick Corey Ballentine was injured in an early Sunday morning shooting in Topeka, Kansas, that saw his Washburn college teammate Dwane Simmons tragically killed.

Ballentine (photo), 23, is “expected to make a full recovery,” per Washburn University. The Giants said they’ve spoken to their sixthround pick (180th overall) as he recovers in the hospital.

Both Washburn and the Giants, though, had their thoughts and prayers with Simmons, 23.

“We are aware of the tragic situation and continue to gather information,” the Giants said in a statement. “We have spoken to Corey, and he is recovering in the hospital. Our thoughts are with Dwane Simmons’ family, friends and teammates and the rest of the Washburn community.”

Investigators told 13 NEWS in Topeka, Kansas, that officers responded around 12:45 a.m. to the 1400 block of 13th Street on reports of gunfire. An officer on the scene told 13 NEWS that Simmons died in the street from a gunshot wound and later confirmed Ballentine had been injured, as well. The investigation into the shooting remains open. “Any time we lose a student it is a sad occa- sion, but it is particularly poignant to lose a student through such a senseless act,” the University said in a statement. “Both Dwane and Corey have been great examples and representatives of the football team and of Washburn University in general. This was a terrible way to end a day which should have been a day of celebration and a day to look forward to Dwane’s upcoming year at Washburn and the beginning of Corey’s professional career.”