Fresno State Football Player’s Leg Amputated After Shooting

FRESNO — Doctors have amputated the left leg of a Fresno State football player shot during a fight, his sister confirmed today.

Willie Howard Jr., a defensive end, lost his leg Thursday as the result of a gunshot wound that struck him in the back and entered his stomach, Mary Howard said. He regained consciousness this morning but was not told of the amputation, she added.

Howard, a Big West Conference honorable mention player last season, has been listed in critical condition since being admitted to Valley Medical Center on Tuesday night, hospital spokesmen said.

Howard and two other men allegedly forced their way into a Fresno apartment, and one of the occupants shot Howard with a rifle, according to police Detective Tommy Sanchez.