Redskins’ Brandon Banks and friend stabbed outside D.C. nightclub
At exactly 12:43 AM on Saturday morning, Washington Redskins kick returner and wide receiver Brandon Banks tweeted “Park gonna b to much for me tonight.”
Little did anyone know, this turned out to be proven literally.
About two hours later, Banks and a close friend, who wasn’t identified at first, were rushed to a hospital in the Washington, D.C. area after being stabbed outside of The Park, an opulent nightclub on 14th Street Northwest.
According to the District of Columbia Police Department, a man confronted Banks and his childhood friend, Christopher Nixon, yielded a knife and stabbed them. At that time, the police did not release the identity of the victims but the Redskins team confirmed
that Banks was a victim.
According to James Gould, Banks’ agent, he required stitches after receiving a surface wound to his upper left abdomen and is expected to be released from an area hospital soon. His friend sustained more serious wounds, having been stabbed multiple times
in the face and body, and was rushed to the hospital in stable condition. He underwent surgery and is still in critical condition.
The suspect has been identified as 24-year-old Jason Shorter of Lanham, Maryland. He was taken into custody and was initially charged with assault with intent to kill, according to police. The United States Attorney’s office later reduced his crime to assault
with a deadly weapon.
"Their attacker will be charged for what he has done, and Brandon is very relieved," Gould said. "He and his family are very thankful that it looks like everybody will be okay."
Gould said that Nixon was attacked first and Banks was injured when he came to help him. Banks was facing away from Nixon and turned when he heard him arguing with Shorter. When they started fighting, Banks and a bouncer attempted to intervene and break
up the fight. At that point, Shorter took out a folding knife and began stabbing Banks and Nixon. He also stated that Banks was not involved in any illegal or dishonest behavior.
"Brandon's immediate concern is for his lifelong friend who is like a brother to him," Gould said. "He would like to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes for him and his lifelong friend.”
Spokesman for the Redskins team, Tony Wyllie, said that the team is collecting facts about what exactly happened on the night in question.
As of Sunday evening, Gould says that Banks is recovering.
"He's recovering well, there's no damage and no residual effects, so it looks like he's going to make a full recovery and be just fine," Gould said in a phone interview. "Brandon's friend also is recovering. He was talking today, and also is expected to
make a full recovery."
The entire Redskins team is supporting the rookie, who just completed his first year in the National Football League (NFL). He became a dangerous player after returning a punt 53 yards the first time he touched the ball in a professional game. He is currently
the lightest player in the NFL, listed at 155 pounds. Unlike most Americans, Banks says that he wants to gain a bit of weight.
Banks’ father, Daryle McNair did not wish to make any statements when contacted by phone but also says that his son is doing well.
We wish both Banks and Nixon a speedy recovery.
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