Giants say they've spoken with Ballentine, express condolences to Simmons' family

The New York Giants responded Sunday to reports that the Washburn cornerback they selected in the sixth round the night before was injured

that claimed the life his teammate, Dwane Simmons.

The Giants say they spoke with Corey Ballentine on Sunday. Team officals also expressed their condolences to Simmons' family, friends, and teammates.

On Saturday night, the New York Giants drafted Ballentine with the 180th overall pick, making him the highest pick in program history and just the sixth player to be selected in the NFL draft.

Washburn University officials

saying, in part, "Both Dwane and Corey have been great examples and representatives of the football team and of Washburn University"

"This was a terrible way to end a day which should have been a day of celebration and a day to look forward to Dwane’s upcoming year at Washburn and the beginning of Corey’s professional career," it continued. (

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