VINTON – Former McNeese State University football star and NFL player Stephen Starring is accused of shooting a man.

Police Chief Ricky Fox said Starring, 51, is suspected of shooting Dillon Worth, 20, in the back during an alleged home invasion about 3 a.m.

Starring, offensive MVP of the 1980 Independence Bowl between McNeese and Southern Miss, was a wide receiver. He played seven NFL seasons with the Patrios, Lions and Buccaneers.

The chief said Starring alleged Worthy and another man, Joseph Batiste, 47,, came to his door, forced their way in and began beating him.

Starring was able to break away, Fox said, and Worthy and Batiste began to run. Fox said Starring shot Worthy in the back, although it was unclear whether Worthy was still in the house or had exited the door when he was hit.

Starring is charged with attempted second-degree murder because “when you disengage and guys take off running, you can’t shoot them in the back.”

Fox said the three knew each other. and the interlopers claimed then wen to reclaim some money from Starring after an earlier fight.

After the arrest, Starring’s home was burglarized in what was believed to be retaliation for shooting Worthy, Fox said. No arrests have been made in the burglary.

Worthy was charged with home invasion, aggravated second-degree battery, simple criminal property damage between $500 and $50,000, and attempted armed robbery.

Batiste, was charged with home invasion, aggravated second-degree battery, simple criminal property damage less than $500 and attempted armed robbery.