Football player critical after shooting By Sports Network

DeKALB, Ill. -- Northern Illinois linebacker Devon Butler was in critical condition Wednesday following an off-campus shooting.

Butler was transported to a hospital in Rockford, Illinois, following the shooting Tuesday night in DeKalb, the school said in a statement.

The school said new Huskies head coach Dave Doeren was at the hospital with Butler and has been in close contact with his family.

"He's a member of our family and the most important thing is his health," Doeren said in a statement.

Coaches and officials met with the football team Wednesday morning to advise players of the shooting and Doeren canceled all team activities, including a spring practice scheduled for Thursday morning.

DeKalb police are investigating the incident. No additional details were available.

Butler, a junior linebacker from Pembroke Pines, Florida, posted 80 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks in 14 games this past season. He had one interception and one forced fumble.