Former MLB star Mark Mulder slammed the city of San Francisco on Saturday after 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Piersall was shot and injured during an attempted robbery.
The shooting happened in the city's Union Square neighborhood. Pearsall was reportedly shot by a 17-year-old boy who was trying to steal his Rolex. He was shot in the chest, but the bullet missed any vital organs and exited his body, his mother, Erin, said.
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St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Mark Mulder photographed in 2006. (Dilip Vishwanath-USA Today Sports)
“What a hellish city!” he wrote to X. “The psychopathic liberals will keep telling you how beautiful it is while they get robbed and walk into its filth.”
Mulder played nine years in the major leagues with the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals. He was an All-Star in 2003 and 2004 and was the runner-up for the American League Cy Young Award in 2001.
He's a far cry from the athletes who have criticised the city over the past 12 months.
Charles Barkley set the city on fire during the NBA All-Star Game.
Former San Francisco Giants star Buster Posey also suggested that crime and drugs are obstacles for soon-to-be free agents.
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Mark Mulder photographed in 2006. (Howard Smith – USA Today Sports)
San Francisco mayoral candidate criticizes opponent after 49ers player Ricky Peirsol shooting: 'Enough is enough'
Pearsall was released from the hospital on Sunday. Authorities say the 23-year-old was walking alone in the Union Square area just after 3:30 p.m. local time when a suspect tried to rob him at gunpoint. San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said more than one shot was fired.
“A struggle ensued between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect, resulting in bullets being fired from the suspect's firearm striking both Mr. Pearsall and the suspect.”
The gun was listed as belonging to the suspect and was recovered. Scott said investigators believe the boy acted alone, adding that there is no indication that Pearsall was targeted because he is a football player.
“This is how we hold people accountable in San Francisco. This kind of robbery and violence has no place in our city,” San Francisco Mayor London Breed said at a news conference late Saturday.
San Francisco 49ers first round draft pick Ricky Pearsall speaks during a press conference at the team facility on April 26, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
“This was a horrific and unusual incident that occurred in Union Square and our hearts go out to Ricky Pearsall and his family. He has a bright future and we look forward to watching him recover and return to the field.”
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Piersall was a first-round draft pick by the 49ers in April but missed training camp with several chronic injuries.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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