NIU's Butler shot, in critical condition

DEKALB — Northern Illinois linebacker Devon Butler was in critical condition Wednesday after being shot off-campus.

The school released a statement saying the shooting occurred Tuesday night in DeKalb. He was transferred to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, about 45 miles away, early Wednesday morning.

Coach Dave Doeren, who was at the hospital, says in a statement, "All our thoughts and prayers as a team and as a coaching staff right now are with Devon."

Butler is a junior from Pembroke Pines, Fla. He was in on 80 tackles — second on the team — and had 4½ sacks. Doeren has suspended all team activities, including Thursday morning's spring football practice, until further notice.