Eagles Defensive End Jerome McDougle Shot

CBS Sportsline is reporting that Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jerome McDougle was in critical condition after being shot Thursday night in a robbery attempt.

McDougle is now out of surgery following the shooting. WPLG-TV in Miami reports that the shooting occurred late Thursday night in southwest Miami-Dade County.

According to Mike Missanelli on WIP radio, the police report filed this morning indicates that McDougle was in his vehicle, a silver Mercedes coupe, when he was approached by three subjects with covered faces and guns who demanded property. The subjects were identified as young black men, possibly teenagers.

In a statement, Miami-Dade police spokesman Alvaro Zabaleta indicated that McDougle had handed over his watch and was reaching to hand over his wallet when one of the robbers shot McDougle in the abdomen. As McDougle attempted to exit his vehicle, two additional shots were fired which missed McDougle, striking the car.

The three suspects fled following the shooting and remain at large. McDougle was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center. He is listed in good condition following surgery.

In a later interview on WIP radio with hosts Mike Missanelli and Anthony Gargano, Miami Dade Police Department spokesperson Veronica Ferguson confirmed that no gunfire was exchanged between McDougle and the suspects. McDougle willingly gave up the property demanded. They believe that the suspects may have thought he was reaching for a gun when he was reaching for his wallet and then proceeded to shoot the Eagles player. McDougle does have a permit to carry a concealed weapon but there is no indication McDougle used his weapon. Ferguson reports that McDougle is "up and talking". Ferguson described the area of the shooting as a good residential neighborhood located west and south of the Orange Bowl.

McDougle was the Eagles first-round pick in 2003, but has been plagued with injuries during his first two seasons in Philadelphia recording just 18 tackles in 19 games, including two sacks. He was slotted as a starter at right defensive end in the upcoming season.

McDougle attended the University of Miami where he had 114 tackles and 14 sacks in two seasons at Miami, and was a second-team All-American in 2002. More details will follow.

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