Wisconsin’s star running back Montee Ball was attacked by five men in Madison at 2:15am today, who knocked him to the ground and kicked him. The 21-year-old has been was hospitalized with apparent head injuries, but has been released. He did not appear to know his assailants, who remain at large.

A 21-year old man was attacked while walking in the 500 block of University Ave. early this morning. Witnesses said five men jumped the victim. He was knocked to the ground and kicked. The victim was taken to a hospital with head injuries. It does not appear he knew his attackers and this is being investigated as an unprovoked assault. The criminals were last seen running south on N. Frances St. toward the Kohl Center.

Ball tied Barry Sanders’ record of 39 touchdowns in 2011 and finished fifth in the Heisman voting. He had opted to return for his senior season.

Bret Bielema released a statement.

“My concern right now is for Montee’s health and well-being. 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.”

[Photo via Getty]