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Police Investigate NFL Player Shot In Miami Gardens

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MIAMI GARDENS (CBSMiami) -- Shattered glass outside of a Miami Gardens home is what's left of the crime scene where St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey and a relative were gunned down Tuesday night.

"I heard over a dozen shots, it sounded like. Sounded like firecrackers," said neighbor Maurice Davis.

Miami Gardens Police say just before 9 p.m., the gunmen fired more than 30 rounds into a car at N.W. 199th Street and 38th Place.

"That's not uncommon around here. I hate to say it. It sounds crazy but that's not uncommon here," added Davis.

Bailey, his cousin Antwan Reeves and Reeves' two children -- a boy and a girl ages 5 and 10 -- had gone to pick up a cousin in Miami Gardens when a car pulled up and started shooting, according to family members.

"I pulled up and I seen all them shell casings. I was like, that can't be too good. This car was all shot up. I hope he pulls through," said another neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous.

Bailey was shot twice in the head, according to a family member who spoke to cbsmiami.com.

"I couldn't believe it because he ain't the type of guy that's doing bad. He only do football," said the neighbor. "I think it's something personal for someone to shoot at you that many times."

Bailey's cousin, Antwan Reeves, was struck multiple times while attempting to shield the children in the car from the bullets, said the family member.

The kids were not hurt.

Bailey and his cousin were taken to Aventura Hospital where they both underwent surgery. The family said Bailey is stable and Reeves is recovering.

Tuesday evening, the Rams organization released the following statement.

"We are aware Stedman Bailey was involved in an incident this evening. We have spoken with Stedman and he is in the hospital in critical, but stable, condition. We are gathering facts about the situation and will provide updates as we learn more."

After the Rams practice on Wednesday, players prayed for Bailey's recovery. Coach Jeff Fisher told reporters that Bailey will be in ICU for at least a few days and likely not play again this season.

"He had extensive surgery," Fisher said. "Surgery probably took 4-6 hours."

Other teammates expressed their concerns.

"You never want to see nobody that you're so close with, that's part of your family go through something like that," said Jered Cook. "It's heartbreaking."

"We just know that he's moving in the right direction and keep praying for him," said Chris Long. "He's a great dude and I'll look forward to the day I see him playing football again."

 

Bailey, who turned 25 on November 11th, was a third-round pick in the 2013 draft out of West Virginia, where he was part of a prolific wide receiving tandem with Tavon Austin, whom the Rams selected with the eighth overall pick that year.

Bailey has started three games each of the last two seasons and has one touchdown this year. He was fined for that touchdown celebration for using the ball as a pillow and lying down in the end zone.

Last year, he was among five Rams receivers who took part in the "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" gesture before a game last December as a show of solidarity for protesters in nearby Ferguson, Mo.

Bailey, who attended Miramar High, is in South Florida waiting out a four game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. He is eligible to get back on the field December 7th.

Miramar High football coach Pierre Senatus told us that Bailey came by the school recently to talk with the football team about his experiences in the NFL and how he made a mistake and had to live with it.

"He said he made a mistake," Senatus said. "He was liable and it was a silly mistake and you've got to be held accountable for your mistakes. He just wanted to talk to the kids to make sure they understand that their actions, you know, have effects."

Police are now looking for the suspects driving a light colored, four-door sedan, possibly a Buick Regal. If you have any information that could help, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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