NIU linebacker stabbed 15 months after being shot

Northern Illinois linebacker Devon Butler was stabbed in the chest Sunday, 15 months after being shot at an off-campus party near the DeKalb, Ill., university.

Butler was allegedly stabbed by 25-year-old Freddy E. Sparks-Ward, who was charged with armed violence, aggravated battery, battery and criminal trespass with a maximum sentence of 30 years possible. He suffered minor injuries and was treated and released from Kishwaukee Community Hospital.

The incident took place around 3 a.m. Sunday after Sparks-Ward was thrown out of a party and returned 20 minutes later. He admitted to stabbing Butler with a blade of at least four inches, and the weapon was recovered by police.

Butler allegedly fought with the assailant twice at the off-campus party.

In April 2011, Butler was shot while visiting an off-campus apartment. Police believe that incident was retaliatory against the tenants accepting drugs from a dealer hours earlier but not paying for up to 30 grams of marijuana. Police are certain Butler was not present during the earlier deal and absolved him of any involvement.