Ohio State men's soccer player Nathan Demian is recovering after he was shot in the University District early Sunday morning following Ohio State's 3-0 win over Wake Forest on Saturday.
The university's athletic department said in a statement that Demian was an innocent bystander and was not involved in any altercation.
"The soccer program is thankful for the incredible university support and medical care available to Nathan and his family during this difficult time," the statement said. "Nathan’s family is with him, and the team is extremely close. The family has asked that everyone keep Nathan in their prayers. The department will do all it can to support Nathan, his family and the men’s soccer program in every way possible."
Because of the police investigation underway, the department will not be able to further discuss the incident, the statement said.
Ohio State police said on social media that a student was shot off-campus and taken to Wexner Medical Center. Columbus police reported the shooting happened on Chittenden Avenue.
Ohio State athletics spokesman Jerry Emig said in an email that Demian, a redshirt junior from Vancouver, British Columbia, will not be playing this weekend in top-ranked Ohio State's semi-final game in the NCAA College Cup against Marshall. The game is scheduled to be played on Friday in Cary, North Carolina.