Advertisement

The Sidelines : Nebraska Recruit Shot at Party

Share

A running back recruited by Nebraska was in fair condition today after being shot at a party, authorities said.

Willie C. Harper Jr., 18, was shot in the chest, abdomen and right arm about 1 a.m. Saturday in Omaha, police said.

Harper is the son of former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Willie Harper. A senior at Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, Calif., Harper is considered one of the top high school running backs in California.

Advertisement

Harper’s mother, Gale Johnson, said he was shot during an argument between his friends and at least four other youths at a house.

Harper underwent exploratory surgery Monday and doctors also removed his appendix, Johnson said.

“He’s talking now, but he’s still in a lot of pain,” said Harper’s stepmother, Roxanne Harper. “I think he was really frightened until we got here. He’s OK now.”

Doctors said Harper would be able to leave the hospital in seven to 10 days. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Advertisement