STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Report: 15-Year-Old Football Player Dies Blocking Bullets

Zaevion Dobson shot shielding three girls from gunfire.

Knoxville, Tennessee police are reporting that 15-year-old Fulton High School football player, Zaevion Dobson was fatally wounded after throwing himself on top of three girls to shield them from gunfire.

The shooting was apparently gang-related, though Dobson had no ties. The targets were chosen at random Police Chief David Rausch said.

YOUTH ORGS ADRESSING GUN VIOLENCE

"It speaks of his character [how he died]... not really worried about himself, but worried about other people," his football coach Rob Black told WVLT. "He's a sophomore only and already successful, already leading a life that's contagious that people follow. So very liked by his peers and his teachers and his teammates. And that makes him successful."

Dobson was a line backer, full back and special teams player, who was on the field in every game so far this year. His brother Zack said he lived for the sport. "That's what he did. He came home from school did his homework, watched film, watched documentaries of it, players. That's what he loved, football." 

As of press time, one person has been arrested in connection, a 20-year-old man who is charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Our condolences to the Dobson family.

BET Sports News — Get the latest news and information about African-Americans in sports, including weekly recaps, celebrity news and photos of your favorite Black athletes.

Watch a tribute to Zaevion and see Snoop Dogg and T.I. in the BETX Rewind! No Guns Allowed, in the videos below.

(Photo: Fulton Football via Twitter)

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