Badgers running back attacked walking on campus

Wisconsin running back Montee Ball was attacked early Wednesday while walking on the UW-Madison campus.

Witnesses told police that five men assaulted the senior as he was walking on University Avenue around 2:15 a.m. The assailants then fled south toward the Kohl Center arena.

Police said Ball was knocked to the ground and kicked. He was treated at a hospital for head injuries and was later released.

Police said it did not appear that Ball knew his attackers. Investigators are treating the case as an unprovoked assault.

Badgers Coach Bret Bielema said the 21-year-old Ball is now being cared for by the University of Wisconsin’s sports medicine staff. He’ll continue to be evaluated as the Badgers get ready for their pre-season camp which starts on Monday.

Bielema said his concern right now is for Ball’s health and well-being. The coach expects him to make a full recovery.

In a tweet, Ball said he appreciated the fans’ support. “I will be okay … See you guys in September,” he wrote.

Ball was one of five finalists for the Heisman Trophy last season. He gave up a chance to join the NFL Draft to return for his final year of eligibility.

The attack happened in an area where several incidents of violence have been reported in recent months. The worst was in May, when shots were fired outside two bars and several people were hurt. Police have been boosting its patrols to the area on weekends.

Packer report

Green Bay Packers defensive linemen Ryan Pickett and Mike Daniels are both listed as day to day in the wake of the injuries they suffered Tuesday at training camp.

Pickett bruised one of his knees and Daniels had knee and groin injuries.

After practice Wednesday morning, Coach Mike McCarthy said offensive lineman Derek Sherrod will not return to practice this week. The coach said the second-year pro is doing all he can to recover from a broken leg suffered last year and a setback this spring.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell visited Wednesday’s practice, along with some replacement officials taking the place of the regulars who don’t have a contract. McCarthy said there is not a concern about the replacements, at least at the moment. He was planning to meet with them later Wednesday.

Also, former Packers general manager Ron Wolf and former coach and TV commentator John Madden showed up at today’s practice.

Tags: wi sports, sports, wisconsin