Kentucky Player ‘Fair’ After Apparent Accidental Shooting

University of Kentucky football player Omar Smith was listed in fair condition at the UK Hospital after being shot in the lower abdomen early Thursday morning, according to officials.

It was not known whether Smith, a sophomore guard, would require surgery, according to the school’s sports information office.

Smith and several friends were returning home at about 2 a.m. when they realized they were being followed by a vehicle, according to a police report. After arriving home, roommate Jason Watts got a rifle inside the residence for protection.

Investigators said it appears that the weapon “accidentally discharged as it was being passed to Smith by Watts.”

“Our hearts go out to Omar and to his family during this unfortunate incident,” said Jack Fligg, UK assistant athletics director. “Our coaching staff is currently out of town and has been notified, and they are very concerned about Omar’s well-being.”

Smith, who is 6-foot-3 and weighs 280 pounds, is from Miramar, Fla. He played in five games last season as a freshman. He started one game and earned a varsity letter.