Rams WR Stedman Bailey critical after being shot in the head

EARTH CITY, Mo. — St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey was involved in a shooting incident Tuesday evening in his hometown of Miami.

Head coach Jeff Fisher said on a conference call Wednesday that Bailey was having surgery.

"All I know is that he's currently in surgery, and I discussed it with the team in the team meeting," Fisher said Wednesday. "We're praying for him. Our hope is that 'Sted' will get back on the field. When we get more information, it'll be publicly disclosed through the organization."

Bailey is in critical but stable condition after being shot in a car, the City of Miami Gardens Police Department said Wednesday.

A Rams source told ESPN that the team believes Bailey's injuries are not life-threatening after he was shot twice in the head.

Bailey, 25, is currently serving a four-game suspension that began Nov. 9 for violating the NFL substance-abuse policy. Bailey was in his hometown even though players under suspension for substance abuse are permitted to be at the team facility although they are not allowed to practice.

Fisher said previously of the suspension: "Very, very disappointed in his choices. He let himself down in addition to letting his teammates and this organization down. (It's) a setback for us from an offensive standpoint; a setback from a special teams standpoint. I've had numerous conversations with 'Sted.' He understands that this is his last go-around. If he wants to flourish in this league, have a career in this league, he's going to have to change his lifestyle. He's regretful."

The Rams issued a statement after the shooting incident: "We are aware Stedman Bailey was involved in an incident this evening. We have spoken with Stedman and he is in the hospital in critical, but stable, condition. We are gathering facts about the situation and will provide updates as we learn more."

While details are emerging, NFL Media reported that Bailey was sitting in a car with family members, two young children and his cousin, who was driving, when an unidentified person pulled up and started shooting. While Bailey was said to have been shot twice in the head, his cousin was hit multiple times while protecting the children and has life-threatening injuries. The children in the car were unharmed, police said.

A third-round pick in the 2013 draft, Bailey was also suspended four games in 2014 for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs, but that suspension was shortened to two games by the implementation of a new league drug policy in September 2014.

This season, prior to the suspension, Bailey has 12 receptions for 182 yards and one touchdown in eight games.

Fisher said Wednesday that he was knew Bailey was in South Florida.

"I was aware of where he was," Fisher said. "I knew he was working out and he was taking care of himself, and he was getting ready to help us win games when his suspension was concluded."