BC football player Keyron Mackey was shot Friday, Feb. 9, at approximately 11 p.m. The 19-year-old freshman was exiting his car to walk into his south Bakersfield home when an unidentified person shot at him.
“I didn’t even really feel it, it felt like someone threw a rock at me,” said Mackey as he explained what the experience was like. “I only heard seven shots, but the police found 17 bullets.”
The police said that this may have been the product of a gang initiation because there was a report of another unidentified shooting 10 minutes prior to Mackey’s incident near California Park.
Mackey’s injury included two shots in his left calf, which left him unable to walk and forced to use crutches. The defensive tackle will be unable to practice for six months because of his injury. Mackey continues to attend school as a full-time student carrying 12 units, and he plans on making a full recovery.
Mackey still attends regular football practices in hopes of making a comeback for the 2007 season. “I feel the team should be fine without me,” said Mackey, who will remain on the team, but will have to work extra hard to keep up with the rest of the players.
Mackey said he has trouble sleeping at night, because he thinks about the situation a great deal. He is also very cautious of his surroundings, especially at night.
Despite the situation, Mackey manages to stay focused and has kept his same upbeat attitude.
“Even after I got shot, I still have a smile on my face,” said Mackey.