Miami player shot/killed

[huskerhaze]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2653361

 

University of Miami defensive end Bryan Pata was shot and killed Tuesday night, shortly after leaving the practice field, school officials said.

 

The circumstances around Pata's death were not immediately clear, and Miami-Dade police refused to release specific information about what happened. A formal announcement was expected from the university later Tuesday.

 

"Right now, we're just gathering ourselves and just trying to pull ourselves together," Miami athletic director Paul Dee said.

 

Pata, a graduate of Miami Central High School, was in his fourth year with the Hurricanes. He appeared in 41 games, making 23 starts, and was expected to be selected in next spring's NFL draft. The 6-foot-4, 280-pound senior took over the starting role at left defensive end for head coach Larry Coker over the latter part of the 2004 season and had held it since.

 

It was at least the fourth time that tragedy involving a player has struck the Hurricanes in recent years.

 

In April 1996, reserve linebacker and Miami native Marlin Barnes was murdered in a campus apartment. In 2003, former Miami safety Al Blades was killed in a car accident, about a year after former Miami linebacker Chris Campbell -- who just had completed his eligibility with the Hurricanes -- also died in a crash.

 

Pata's death was the second incident involving guns this season for the Hurricanes.

 

In July, reserve safety Willie Cooper was shot in the buttocks when confronted in his yard before an early-morning workout. Cooper was not seriously injured. Brandon Meriweather, one of Cooper's teammates and roommates, returned fire at Cooper's assailant, taking three shots that apparently missed, police said.

 

Several Miami players, including Pata, said that incident was a robbery attempt and cautioned other teammates to always be aware of their surroundings.

 

"We're targets because we play for the University of Miami. ... These guys, they know who we are," Miami linebacker Jon Beason said shortly after the Cooper shooting.

 

That incident prompted Coker to say he did not want his players to have guns, even if they possessed them legally.

[Eric the Red]

Can things get any worse!!!!!!!!!

[NU fan in Denver]

Thug U

[BIGREDIOWAN]

It's getting rediculous down there..........

[HSKRNOKC]

That is freaking ridiculous. Dude got shot dead leaving the practice field?

 

 

D A M N !!!

[NUpolo8]

It was a long time ago, but I do remember SI's cover being all type reading

 

"Why the University of Miami should drop football."

 

---really starting to look like it should be blown up and rebuilt, see you in 7 years U

[gamecocks]

This maybe a stretch but I kind of have a feeling that the guys that shot at Pata were from Florida Atlantic. Or who ever they had that brawl with earlier this year.

[NU fan in Denver]

This maybe a stretch but I kind of have a feeling that the guys that shot at Pata were from Florida Atlantic. Or who ever they had that brawl with earlier this year.

 

Never thought about that. I wonder what this guys role in the brawl was. Was it significant, or was he just pushing people around?

[skers]

he;s the second player on the team to get shot this year that has been reported... there was another incident with a drive by type of shooting... the miami player that was being shot at even returned fire....my question is WHAT THE HECK ARE THESE KIDS DOING WITH GUNS? this issue needs to be looked at by the administration of the school and coach coker... i would not stand for that crap as a coach...those kids would be kicked off the team..they need someone that is a disciplinarian as a coach...seems as though coker gets pushed around by his players... this is out of control

[NU fan in Denver]

he;s the second player on the team to get shot this year that has been reported... there was another incident with a drive by type of shooting... the miami player that was being shot at even returned fire....my question is WHAT THE HECK ARE THESE KIDS DOING WITH GUNS? this issue needs to be looked at by the administration of the school and coach coker... i would not stand for that crap as a coach...those kids would be kicked off the team..they need someone that is a disciplinarian as a coach...seems as though coker gets pushed around by his players... this is out of control

 

 

I did read a statement that said Coker didn't want his players to own a gun even if it was legal.

[Blackshirtsguru]

he;s the second player on the team to get shot this year that has been reported... there was another incident with a drive by type of shooting... the miami player that was being shot at even returned fire....my question is WHAT THE HECK ARE THESE KIDS DOING WITH GUNS? this issue needs to be looked at by the administration of the school and coach coker... i would not stand for that crap as a coach...those kids would be kicked off the team..they need someone that is a disciplinarian as a coach...seems as though coker gets pushed around by his players... this is out of control

 

 

I did read a statement that said Coker didn't want his players to own a gun even if it was legal.

 

 

But then again find 1 that doesn't have a criminal record? So I doubt Coker has to worry about them getting one legally!