Ohio State All-American Wrestler Sammy Sasso Shot in Robbery Attempt

The Pennsylvania native is in serious condition but will reportedly make a full recovery.
Ohio State All-American Wrestler Sammy Sasso Shot in Robbery Attempt
Ohio State All-American Wrestler Sammy Sasso Shot in Robbery Attempt /

Sammy Sasso, an All-American wrestler at Ohio State, was shot in Columbus Friday night, according to statements from the Buckeyes' wrestling coach and athletic director.

Sasso, a redshirt senior, was shot in the stomach during an attempted robbery around 8:30 p.m. ET. After reportedly identifying himself as an Ohio State wrestler, he was transported to the Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, where he was reportedly in serious condition according to The Plain Dealer; his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

“Ohio State student-athlete Sammy Sasso was the victim of a senseless shooting incident Friday evening in Columbus,” Buckeyes wrestling coach Tom Ryan said in a statement. “Our coaching staff, along with members of the wrestling program and Athletics administrators, are grateful for the caregivers at WMC, thankful Sasso’s injuries are not life-threatening, and are supporting Sasso and his family.”

Per a report from The Express-Times, Sasso is expected to make a full recovery and wrestle again.

“We’re with you Sammy,” Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said in a tweet.

Content is unavailable

Sasso, a native of Nazareth in Pennsylvania's wrestling-rich Lehigh Valley region, is a four-time All-American and a two-time NCAA runner-up in the 149-pound weight class.


Published
Patrick Andres
PATRICK ANDRES

Patrick Andres is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He joined SI in December 2022, having worked for The Blade, Athlon Sports, Fear the Sword and Diamond Digest. Andres has covered everything from zero-attendance Big Ten basketball to a seven-overtime college football game. He is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism with a double major in history .