More tragic news has emerged from Southern Mississippi following a nightclub shooting early Sunday morning.
According to The Associated Press, a source close to the situation has revealed that linebacker Martez Smith is paralyzed from the waist down as a result of the shooting. The source has elected to remain anonymous, since he was not authorized to disclose the details of Smith's medical status.
Smith, a red-shirt senior, was one of three football players from the University of Southern Mississippi shot in a nightclub parking lot in Hattiesburg while celebrating their victory over Central Florida. Linebacker Tim Green and defensive lineman Deddrick Jones were also injured in the shooting.
All three players were listed in fair condition at Forest General Hospital on Tuesday.
Police have arrested two people, Patricia Loftwin Brown and Cleothus Wilkerson, in connection with the incident and have issued a warrant for a third man, Travis Brown, wanted for aggravated assault. Loftwin Brown and Wilkerson are currently being held without bond in a Mississippi jail.
Smith had appeared in six games for the Golden Eagles this season, starting in four of them. He recorded 27 total tackles with 10 solo hits in those appearances.
