Wentzville's Montee Ball Attacked, Hospitalized in Madison, WI

Montee Ball, perhaps the most prolific football player to ever come out of the , was attacked early Wednesday morning by a group of five men in what police are calling an "unprovoked assault", ESPN reports.

Ball, who graduated from and was a runner up for last season's Heisman Trophy, suffered head injuries from the attack but was released from a nearby hospital after a two-hour stay.

From ESPN:

Witnesses told police the men knocked Ball to the ground and began kicking him. Ball, a 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist, was taken to a hospital and released later Wednesday morning.

A team spokesman said Ball spent two hours in the hospital before he was released. Ball's father said his son's phone was stolen in the attack. It is not known if he can practice Monday when camp opens. Wisconsin opens the season Sept. 1 at home against Northern Iowa.

"My concern right now is for Montee's health and well-being," Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said in a prepared statement. "Montee has been released from the hospital and is under the care and supervision of our sports medicine staff. We will continue to evaluate him as we approach the start of fall camp this weekend. I do expect Montee to make a full recovery."

On his Twitter account @M_Ball28), Ball said: "I appreciate the support and thank you for the concerns.I will be okay! See you guys in September! #WiscONsin"

Ball rushed 275 times for 1,759 yards and 32 touchdowns last season, leading Wisconsin to the Big Ten championship and a berth in the Rose Bowl Game. He also was named the Big Ten Player of the Year.