Missouri football officials announced Monday that Ahmad Hardy, the team’s standout running back, is in stable condition after being shot at a concert in Mississippi.
Hardy was wounded early Sunday morning at an outdoor concert in Laurel, according to police and local reports. The school said Hardy underwent surgery later that day for a gunshot wound to the upper leg.
Police described the scene as a melee that erupted at a concert featuring several rappers at a bike club. Laurel police Sgt. Macon Davis told the Laurel Leader-Call that at least two people were injured and three persons of interest were in custody. Davis said the incident drew a large crowd and ended with gunfire.
The Associated Press left a voicemail requesting more information from police. Missouri said it would provide updates on Hardy’s condition as they become available.
Hardy, a first-team AP All-American last season, was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, given annually to college football’s top running back. He rushed for 1,649 yards last season, ranking second among all Bowl Subdivision players. Hardy is from Oma, Mississippi, and transferred to Missouri from Louisiana-Monroe before the 2025 season.
The school expressed support for Hardy, saying, “Ahmad is deeply loved by his teammates, coaches, friends, family and fans. We will continue to stand beside him and his family through this difficult time, offering our love, prayers, strength and support. A timeline for his return to football activities is unknown at this time.”
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
