Alabama DE Deaderick shot, wounded in arm

The Associated Press

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick was hospitalized in good condition Tuesday after being shot in the arm during an apparent robbery attempt at an off-campus apartment.

Brad Fisher, a spokesman for DCH Regional Medical Center, said the 6-foot-4, 306-pound senior from Elizabethtown, Ky., would likely be released within a day.

"It's not life threatening," said Fisher.

Police chief Steve Anderson told the Tuscaloosa News the player has a gunshot wound in the forearm. Deaderick was in an apartment parking lot about 10 p.m. Monday when he was approached by a man wearing dark clothes, a dark ball cap and a blue bandanna over his face, the chief said.

Deaderick did not know the man, who pointed a gun and said "Give it up," Anderson said. When Deaderick refused, the assailant fired the gun, striking the player in the arm, the chief said. Police were searching for the shooter.

In a statement, Alabama coach Saban said it was fortunate the player's condition wasn't worse. He did not indicate when Deaderick might rejoin the team.

"Our concern at this time is for Brandon's continued recovery as our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, not about when he will return to football," said Saban.

Deaderick started all 14 games last season as a junior. He made 36 tackles last season and was second on the team with four sacks.

No. 5 Alabama opens the season in Atlanta against seventh-ranked Virginia Tech on Saturday.

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September 01, 2009 02:41 PM EDT

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