It wasn’t just Corey Ballentine who had something to celebrate.
The cornerback was selected in the sixth round of the draft by the Giants on Saturday, the 180th overall pick becoming the highest-ever selection out of Division II’s Washburn University, the Kansas school said.
Hours later in Topeka, Ballentine had been shot and his friend Dwane Simmons killed, police said.
“Heartbreaking news about Dwane Simmons,” Washburn head coach Craig Schurig said in a statement about the defensive back who was finishing his junior year. “Dwane is one of the most energetic and well-liked players I have ever coached at Washburn.