Michigan State G Jeremy Fears Jr. shot, undergoes surgery

Field Level Media|published: Sat 23rd December, 17:14 2023

Dec 21, 2023; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) drives past Stony Brook Seawolves guard Toby Onyekonwu (3) during the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. credits: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State freshman guard Jeremy Fears Jr. sustained a non-life-threatening wound from a gunshot early Saturday morning in his hometown of Joliet, Ill.

The Joliet Police Department didn't identify Fears, but confirmed officers responded to a shooting at 3:44 a.m. CT and that an 18-year-old male was shot and sustained a gunshot wound to his left thigh.

Spartans coach Tom Izzo said Fears underwent surgery.

"Jeremy underwent surgery this morning and is resting comfortably," Izzo said in a statement. "While there is much we still don't know, my focus is on supporting Jeremy on his road to recovery."

According to Joliet Police, the early-morning shooting also injured a 19-year-old female. She sustained a gunshot wound to her pelvis.

"A preliminary investigation of this shooting determined that both victims were inside the residence with others at which time it is believed that a male suspect armed with a handgun entered the residence through the front door and began firing inside the residence, striking both victims," police said in a statement. "The suspect then ran from the residence. Both shooting victims were transported to Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center by the Joliet Fire Department in stable condition."

Police said they were investigating a motive and the intended target of the shooting.

Fears is a four-star prospect who played at Joliet West High. He is averaging 3.5 points and 3.3 assists in 12 games for the Spartans.

Michigan State (7-5) next plays on Dec. 30 at home against Indiana State.

—Field Level Media

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