Former ASU WR Ricky Pearsall to start season on reserve list after shooting during attempted robbery

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A juvenile suspect is in custody after allegedly shooting San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the chest Saturday afternoon during an attempted robbery in central San Francisco, officials said.

The 49ers announced on Monday the receiver would start the season on the reserve/non-football injury list, making a Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals the earliest possible debut for the rookie.

Pearsall, 23, was released Sunday from San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, according to a statement from the team. He had been listed in fair condition.

Pearsall played his first three seasons at Arizona State University (2019-21) before transferring to Florida for his last two seasons. Pearsall caught 159 passes for 2,420 yards and scored 14 touchdowns over his college career.

ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham spoke Monday about the “tough kid” he saw in Pearsall while recruiting him to Oregon. Dillingham took the ASU job the year after Pearsall transferred to Florida.

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham on Valley native and former Sun Devil Ricky Pearsall, who was shot in San Francisco during an attempted robbery over the weekend. pic.twitter.com/1AtNQcnDxK

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) September 2, 2024

 

The 2024 first-round pick for the 49ers went to Tempe Corona Del Sol High from 2016-19 where the receiver caught 168 passes for 2,358 yards and scored four touchdowns.

Pearsall was walking alone carrying shopping bags to his car shortly after 3:30 p.m. Saturday when a suspect attempted to rob him with a gun on Geary Boulevard in the Union Square area, officials said.

“A struggle between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect ensued and gunfire from the suspect’s gun struck both Mr. Pearsall and the subject,” San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said during a news briefing.

Officers in the area responded immediately and provided emergency medical aid and arrested the suspect.

Police identified the suspect as a 17-year-old male resident of Tracy, California, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) east of San Francisco, who also was transported to San Francisco General. His condition was not immediately disclosed.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots. A gun allegedly belonging to the suspect was recovered and investigators believe he acted alone, Scott said.

Video recorded by a witness showed Pearsall, shirtless with a large chest wound, being helped into an ambulance, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

“This kind of violence is simply unacceptable in our city and we will do everything in our power to work with District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to ensure that justice is served in this matter,” Scott said.

Jenkins told reporters at the briefing that her office expects to make a charging decision by Tuesday or Wednesday and initially will file any charges in the juvenile court system.

Scott said there was no indication Pearsall was targeted because he is a player for the city’s football team.

“He and his family, along with the entire San Francisco 49ers organization, would like to thank the San Francisco Police Department, emergency medical services, doctors and staff at San Francisco General Hospital,” said the team statement Sunday.

“He’s good,” 49ers teammate Deebo Samuel posted on X. “Thank god!!!!”

Mayor London Breed said she was confident in the district attorney’s actions to prosecute the case.

“This is how we hold people accountable in San Francisco. Robberies and any violence like this will not be tolerated in our city,” Breed said during the briefing, offering her gratitude to the hospital staff, police and first responders including San Francisco Fire Department personnel.

“This was a terrible and rare incident in Union Square and our thoughts are with Ricky Pearsall and his family. He has a bright future and I look forward to seeing him recover and get back on the field,” Breed said.

Pearsall was drafted in the first round in April by the 49ers with the 31st overall pick but has been slowed by injuries since joining the team.

He missed time during training camp due to hamstring and shoulder issues before returning to practice this past week with a noncontact blue jersey while his shoulder heals.

Pearsall began his college career at Arizona State and transferred to Florida for his final two seasons. He had 65 catches for 965 yards and four touchdowns last season for the Gators and finished his college career with 159 catches for 2,420 yards and 14 TDs.

The Niners have hoped Pearsall could contribute as a rookie as backup to starters Brandon Aiyuk and Samuel.

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