Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy is expected to be released from a hospital in Hattiesburg, Miss., and plans to return to Missouri’s campus this week, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Athletic.
The team announced Monday that Hardy had been hospitalized in stable condition and needed surgery after being shot at a concert in Laurel, Miss., early Sunday morning. Sources briefed on the situation said he had been shot in the leg.
Hardy aims to return to the field this season.
Laurel police Sgt. Macon Davis told the Kansas City Star Hardy was shot while leaving the concert in a vehicle when a melee broke out. Three persons of interest in the shooting were taken into custody but released Monday, according to multiple local reports.
Laurel police told The Athletic the incident, which happened about an hour from Hardy’s hometown of Oma, Miss., was under investigation.
“Ahmad is deeply loved by his teammates, coaches, friends, family and fans. We will continue to stand by him and his family through this difficult time, offering our love, prayers, strength and support,” the program said.
Hardy began his career at Louisiana-Monroe after the Warhawks were the only FBS program to offer him a scholarship. After a standout freshman season, he transferred to Missouri, where he rushed for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns, second-most nationally and most among power conference running backs.
Hardy was named first-team All-SEC and a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back. After the season, he elected to return to Missouri rather than enter the NFL Draft. He was also pursued by other programs for a second transfer and declined to leave Missouri.
