Former Seattle Seahawks safety Rickey Thenarse is recovering in the hospital after being shot in South Los Angeles during a dispute that turned violent, according to authorities. Thenarse was rushed into emergency surgery with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and is expected to pull through. Detectives have opened an investigation into the shooting.
TMZ reports that the incident followed an alleged dispute involving Thenarse’s girlfriend and the father of her child. Law enforcement sources told the outlet that two people, a man and a woman, were seen fleeing the scene in a black SUV. As of now, police have not announced any arrests.
Thenarse’s football background
Thenarse was a standout at Nebraska, where he played from 2006 to 2010 and appeared in 51 games. He earned special-teams MVP honors in 2006 and 2007, according to Nebraska Athletics. After going undrafted in 2011, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent and went through training camp with the team. He suited up for three preseason games and recorded one tackle, per ESPN.
Investigation under way
Detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department are still piecing together what happened. They have not publicly identified any suspects, TMZ reports. Officials also have not released more specific details about the exact location in South L.A. where the shooting took place.
What’s next for Thenarse
For now, there are no public updates on possible charges or a more detailed motive beyond the early accounts reported in the press. It is not yet clear when investigators or representatives for Thenarse will speak out with additional information. This is a developing story and will be updated as authorities or the family share more.
