I spoke with a Wisconsin team spokesman as well as Joel DeSpain, the public information officer for the Madison Police Department, about the assault on Badgers running back Montee Ball early Wednesday morning.

Here's some updated information:

• Police are investigating a "substantial assault" on Ball, who was walking with two friends in downtown Madison at around 2:15 a.m. Ball's friends were walking ahead of him and turned to see five men jump Ball, throw him to the ground and begin kicking him in the head and torso. Several people in the area came to Ball's defense and ran off the attackers, who have yet to be identified.
• "We believe this is an unprovoked attack," DeSpain said. "We're trying to determine if this victim was targeted for who he is." He added that this area of Madison has had a lot of crime lately -- shots fired, robberies, batteries -- and police have devoted additional officers to patrol it.
• Ball's cell phone is missing, and police are trying to determine whether or not it was stolen by one of the attackers. If so, the incident will become a robbery as well as an assault. According to the initial interviews done at the scene, no other property is missing. Detectives intend to interview Ball and other witnesses again today.
• Police are reviewing video surveillance from bars and other establishments along University Avenue to find out more about the attack and the attackers.
• Ball went to the hospital, where he was treated for head injuries and released about two hours later. He suffered a possible concussion, although the Wisconsin medical staff has yet to confirm one.
• Ball tweeted late this morning: "I appreciate the support and thank you for the concerns.I will be okay! See you guys in September! #WiscONsin."

The good news that is Ball appears to be OK after a very scary situation. The fact he might have been targeted is unfortunate, although the area has been rife with crime lately, so we'll see.

Stay tuned as we'll post more information as it becomes available.