49ers WR Ricky Pearsall's teammate taken aback by social media's reaction to shooting
San Francisco 49ers long-snapper Taybor Pepper was taken aback by the response on social media following his tweet which offered prayers for his teammate Ricky Pearsall, who was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery on Saturday. Pearsall was discharged from San Francisco General Hospital on Sunday.
On Saturday night, Pepper tweeted his relief and thanks for Pearsall's condition, but the replies were filled with many negative and political comments.
After seeing some of these replies, Pepper wrote:
"Cannot believe I had to mute replies to my last tweet."
Pearsall was the 31st pick by the 49ers in the 2024 NFL draft. Pepper, meanwhile, has been with San Francisco since 2020 and signed a three-year extension with the team in 2023.
Ricky Pearsall's mother shares update on her son
Ricky Pearsall was walking alone shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Geary Boulevard in the Union Square area of downtown San Francisco when a 17-year-old suspect attempted to rob him at gunpoint. This occurred after Pearsall had finished signing autographs at a nearby event. The suspect, who was also injured by gunfire, is in custody and receiving medical treatment.
Police Chief William Scott stated that there was "no indication" the suspect targeted the wide receiver because he is a professional football player.
Late Saturday, Pearsall's mother shared an update on his condition on Facebook:
“Update on my baby boy. First and (foremost), I want to thank GOD for protecting my baby boy. He is extremely lucky, GOD shielded him. He was shot in the chest and it exited out his back. Thanks be to GOD it missed his vital organs. He is in good spirits right now. Life is so precious my friends. Please love each other. My son was spared today by the grace of GOD. Please pray for my baby.”
Ricky Pearsall is stable and does not have any major injuries. However, his timeline to return to the field is uncertain.
San Francisco will open its 2024 season at home on Monday Night Football on Sept. 9 against the New York Jets.