North Carolina State University Athletics
Hodge Released From Hospital
4/10/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
April 9, 2006
DENVER (AP) -Nuggets rookie Julius Hodge was released from a hospital Sunday, a day after shots fired into his car on a highway wounded his legs.
Hodge released a statement through the team expressing thanks, especially to a woman who stopped on the highway and drove Hodge and his passenger to the hospital.
"I want to say a special thank you to the Good Samaritan who showed the true character of Colorado people," Hodge said. "I would love the opportunity to meet with her and express my gratitude personally."
Authorities have said they want to speak to the Good Samaritan. Adams County sheriff's officials said Sunday that they received a phone call from someone claiming to be the Good Samaritan, but they would not identify the caller or release other details.
"I'm feeling good, keeping my spirits up and looking forward to wearing a Nuggets uniform again," Hodge said.
The Nuggets said earlier Hodge was expected to recover and could play in two to three weeks. Coach George Karl said Hodge was hit three times.
Sheriff's deputies said the 22-year-old was shot while driving on Interstate 76 in north Denver at about 2 a.m. Saturday. Investigators said they had no suspects and did not have a motive.
Investigators said Hodge had been at the Paladium nightclub, where he had met with hip-hop artist Juelz Santana, who was performing there. Investigators and the Paladium manager said there had been no fight at the club.
After Hodge left, another car pulled alongside his and someone inside fired several times into Hodge's vehicle, authorities said. Hodge stopped and a passenger flagged down a motorist, who took both men to a hospital.
"Apparently Julius did nothing to provoke this at all," Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said.
The passenger, whose name was not released, sustained minor injuries, investigators said.
Hodge, a New Yorker who played at NC State, was Denver's first-round draft choice in 2005. The 6-foot-7 guard was recalled from the NBA's developmental league last month after Earl Boykins broke his hand. He has appeared in 14 games for the Nuggets this season, averaging 0.9 points in 2.4 minutes.
