JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier is in critical, but stable, condition after being shot early Tuesday morning. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says the incident occurred sometime between 2:30 a.m. and 2:45 a.m. in the 2300 block of Riverside Ave.
Police say Collier and former Jaguars player, Kenneth Pettway met two women at a local nightclub. Before the shooting occurred, the four drove to a Riverside apartment complex to drop off a second vehicle. While waiting for the women in the parking lot, someone approached the burgundy Escalade occupied by Collier and Pettway and fired shots into the vehicle. Collier was shot several times. Pettway was not injured. Police have not said whether they think Collier was targeted.
Police have not named any suspects, or released a possible motive.
Jaguars owner, Wayne Weaver, issued the following statement Tuesday afternoon, "“We’re shocked and deeply saddened by this morning’s news about Richard Collier. We have been informed that Richard has had surgery and he’s in critical but stable condition. The entire Jaguars family is praying for Richard and his family at this time.”
Collier joined the Jaguars in 2006. He was undrafted from Valdosta State. He was raised in Shreveport, LA. The Jaguars consider Collier a long-term prospect at the key left tackle position. However, weight issues have prevented him from competing for the starting position, currently held by Khalif Barnes.
In June 2008, Collier was sentenced to community service and six months probation after pleading "no contest" to a DUI charge. Police arrested Collier in November 2007 after finding him sleeping inside a parked car outside a Southside McDonald's.
