Illinois Player Stabbed in a Bar Fight

The good news is that Martez Wilson is stable and expected to make a full recovery after being stabbed at a bar in Champaign on Thursday night/Friday morning. According to most reports, Wilson was not looking to start trouble or even caused the trouble.

Police said a "verbal altercation" began among a group of men at Fubar. When the victim allegedly went to assist another man who'd been surrounded by a group of men, he was stabbed.

The police are still investigating and they have no suspects in custody. Shockingly enough, the suspects were no longer patronizing the bar when the police arrived.

This is the proverbial cherry on top to a lousy year for Wilson. The sophomore outside linebacker was a top recruit, but has been in-and-out of Illinois coach Ron Zook's doghouse. Briefly demoted from the starting job, and suspended for violating team rules in the final game of the season. Wilson will definitely be eager to ring in the New Year.

Athletes Who Cheated Death

Illinois linebacker Martez Wilson is expected to make a full recovery after being stabbed at a bar in Champaign. Click through to see other athletes who have come face-to-face with a near-death experience.

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Mark Philippoussis' surfing adventure in Australia took a drastic turn on July 3. The former tennis star nearly died when turbulent waters smashed his board in half and drag him into a sea cave.

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