New York Jets star Kris Boyd was shot twice in the abdomen in the early hours of Sunday morning, with a friend now providing an update on his condition.
The 29-year-old cornerback was shot at around 02:00 local time (07:00GMT) on Sunday outside a high-end Asian-fusion restaurant in Manhattan called Seri Less.
Police received an emergency call reporting gunfire and responded to the scene shortly afterwards.
Although the NYPD did not confirm Boyd as the victim, a spokesperson for the Jets told the BBC that he was the individual who had been shot.
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The spokesperson said: "We are aware of the situation involving Kris Boyd and will have no further comment at this time."
Boyd had been inside the restaurant with two Jets teammates and another friend.
He later told police that he did not like the 'vibe' and the growing tension between arguing groups.
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Sources told the New York Post that the street outside the restaurant was 'packed' and moments later someone opened fire into the crowd.
It is currently unclear whether Boyd was the intended target.
According to the NY Post, police have obtained surveillance footage showing a car with Michigan plates emerging from a garage.
The driver then crashed into a barrier before another person got out and started firing into the crowd.
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Officers also said a second vehicle broke through the barrier before speeding off.
Boyd was taken to hospital and is now believed to be in a critical but stable condition.
Despite the seriousness of his injuries, friends say they are optimistic about his recovery.
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Ernest Quander, who Boyd met while at the University of Texas, told reporters that Boyd was in a 'good condition' and 'doing real good.'
Quander added: “He’s a soldier, through tough times. He’s fine. He’s fine.”
Some of Boyd's Jets teammates have shared messages on social media.
Linebacker Jermaine Johnson wrote on X: "Everybody please send prayers to my brother and teammate Kris Boyd and his family!!!
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"Lord please hold your healing hand over Kris and guide him back to health and safety. Lord I ask that you please just get him through this safely."
New York City mayor Eric Adams also commented, saying: "Although we've gotten shootings to historic lows in our city, we must continue to work to end gun violence.
"Too many young lives have been tragically altered and cut short by this epidemic."
Boyd has not played this season for the Jets.
In August, he was placed on the season-ending injured reserve list after undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury.
Topics: NFL
James Taylor