Akron player mistakenly shoots teammate in stomach

ByDan Murphy ESPN logo
Sunday, March 20, 2016

A former Akron football player is recovering in an area hospital Sunday after he was accidentally shot in the stomach by a teammate early Saturday morning.

Andrew Pratt, a wide receiver who participated in Akron's pro day earlier this week, was in stable condition and doctors told the Akron Beacon Journal they expect him to recover. Police said no charges would be filed because both players involved agreed that the shooting was an accident.

Pratt entered the apartment of neighbor and Zips offensive tackle Scott Boyett unannounced around 3 a.m. Saturday morning. Boyett said he mistook Pratt for a burglar and shot him in the stomach. Boyett drove Pratt to the emergency room at Akron Children's Hospital, according to police.

Akron athletic director Larry Williams said the department was looking into the incident in a statement released by the school.

"We are saddened and concerned to learn of this situation and we hope that Andrew recovers fully," he said. "While we know the incident occurred at an off-campus location, we will wait to learn more from the Akron Police Department about what occurred. We are keeping Andrew in our thoughts and prayers."

Pratt posted a message to Instagram on Sunday morning that he was "very lucky" and "just two inches higher and I might not be here today." He said he expects to make a full recovery.