Chaos Erupts at Dahlia’s Nightclub (Image Credits: Imagez.tmz.com)
San Francisco – Defensive lineman Keion White of the San Francisco 49ers sustained a gunshot wound to his ankle early Monday at a Mission District nightclub, transforming post-Super Bowl festivities into a scene of chaos.[1][2]
Chaos Erupts at Dahlia’s Nightclub
Just after 4 a.m. on February 9, gunfire shattered the atmosphere inside Dahlia’s, a bar and nightclub at 1799 Mission Street. White hosted a private party downstairs amid a larger event featuring strippers on the main floor, where dollar bills littered the ground.[2] Witnesses reported a verbal dispute between two groups, possibly sparked when an entourage attempted to access the restricted area. Shots rang out—accounts varied from two to four—leaving shell casings of 9mm and.45 caliber behind.[1]
Officers arrived to find partygoers, including topless entertainers sweeping up cash, and discovered White downstairs with his injury. He received immediate aid before transport to a local hospital. Surveillance footage and an abandoned cell phone aided the initial probe, though White proved uncooperative on identifying the shooter.[2] No other victims emerged from the incident.[3]
Links to Rapper Lil Baby Surface
Reports pointed to Grammy-winning rapper Lil Baby, who performed in the city Sunday night, as part of the escalating tension. His group reportedly clashed with White’s party over entry downstairs, fueling the argument that preceded the shooting.[2] Social media captured Lil Baby at the venue earlier, though his representatives offered no comment.
Police clarified that White likely caught a stray bullet, as they did not believe he participated in the altercation. The event unfolded mere hours after Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in nearby Santa Clara, where White’s former team, the New England Patriots, fell to the Seattle Seahawks. He watched from the stands wearing a Patriots cap.[3]
White’s NFL Journey and Swift Medical Response
The 27-year-old entered the league as a second-round pick by the Patriots in 2023. Traded to the 49ers before the 2025 deadline, he appeared in nine games for San Francisco last season, logging 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks.[4] This marked his third NFL campaign.
Doctors operated successfully on White’s ankle Monday afternoon. The 49ers described the injury as non-life-threatening and pledged updates. He remained stable at San Francisco General Hospital.[5]
Investigation Ongoing Amid Team Concerns
San Francisco police pursued leads without arrests as of Monday evening. A spokesperson noted the verbal clash but emphasized preliminary findings.[1] The 49ers issued a statement: “Keion White was a victim of a shooting and sustained a bullet wound to his ankle this morning in San Francisco. He is currently undergoing surgery at a local hospital. We will provide further updates when appropriate.”[4]
- Shooting reported at 4:06 a.m. on Mission Street.
- Altercation between groups at private post-Super Bowl party.
- White shot in ankle; surgery deemed successful.
- No suspects in custody; surveillance under review.
- Second 49ers player shot in city within 18 months, following Ricky Pearsall’s 2024 incident.[1]
Mayor Daniel Lurie condemned the violence: “Any violent incident in our city is unacceptable, and I’m hoping Keion recovers quickly.”[1]
Key Takeaways
- White expected to recover fully from non-life-threatening wound.
- Police treat him as victim in group dispute; no arrests yet.
- Incident highlights safety worries for athletes post-major events.
White’s ordeal underscores the fine line between triumph and tragedy in professional sports. As the investigation deepens, fans await his return to the field. What are your thoughts on athlete safety in nightlife scenes? Share in the comments.
