NFL

Ex-Raiders center shot, critical

Barret Robbins is shot several times by police during a struggle in South Beach.

MIAMI BEACH - Former Raiders center Barret Robbins was shot and critically wounded during a struggle with a police officer investigating a burglary at a South Beach office building.

Robbins, a former All-Pro known best for erratic behavior, especially leaving the team in January 2003 before Super Bowl XXXVII against the Bucs, was in critical condition.

Robbins was shot several times in the torso Saturday night during a "violent struggle" with a Miami Beach detective, police spokesman Bobby Hernandez said.

"The officer was literally fighting for his life, trying to get Mr. Robbins from getting his gun. That's when the shots rang out," Hernandez said.

Robbins, 31, was confronted in a second-floor office in a building that also houses a nightclub, gym and jewelry store. He was considered a burglary suspect, though no charges had been filed, Hernandez said.

"We just have to figure out what he was doing there," Hernandez said.

Hernandez said authorities had not been able to interview Robbins, but that the former offensive lineman was expected to face a charge of battery on a police officer. Hernandez also said police were trying to determine whether he would face trespassing or burglary charges.

Detective Mike Muley, who fired the shots, was treated for minor head injuries and released.

Robbins was taken to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Hernandez did not release Robbins' condition Sunday, and a hospital official did not return a page.

Robbins was arrested last month in San Francisco for hitting a security guard at a nightclub.

The often-troubled player is best remembered for disappearing the night before Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego.

He spent Super Bowl Sunday in a hospital and later acknowledged he had stopped taking his medicine for depression and bipolar disorder. Oakland lost to Tampa Bay 48-21.

Oakland released Robbins in July, a week after he and two other players were fined three game checks for testing positive for the steroid THG.

Robbins played all nine of his pro seasons with Oakland and made the Pro Bowl after the 2002 season, but did not play in the game.

A year after missing the final 14 games of 2001 with an injured right knee, he was a pivotal part of a line that helped the Raiders produce the league's top offense.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Barret and his family, and we hope he makes a full and speedy recovery," the Raiders said in a release.

[Last modified January 17, 2005, 01:05:20]