Former Dallas Mavericks star Shawn Bradley was hit by a car while riding his bike in January. On Wednesday, the team announced the 48-year-old was left paralyzed.
The accident happened in St. George, Utah, near Bradley’s home, CBS News reported. He suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury that caused him to undergo neck fusion surgery.
He spent eight weeks in the hospital and is still undergoing rehab.
No additional details have been released about the accident.
Bradley was a former 7 feet, 6 inch center for the Mavericks and played 14 seasons in the NBA. He retired in 2005 and became a counselor at a private school for at-risk youth in West Jordan, Utah, CBS Sports reported.
“We are saddened to hear of Shawn’s accident,” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said in a statement. “Shawn has always been incredibly determined and shown a fighting spirit. We wish him nothing but the best in his recovery. He will always be a part of our Mavs family.”
“We are deeply saddened to hear of Shawn’s injury, and our thoughts and prayers go out to him, and his family,” Dallas Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson said in a statement. “In his eight-plus seasons in Dallas, Shawn demonstrated all of the qualities you want in a person representing your organization. He has always exhibited unwavering grit and determination, and we are thinking of him at this difficult time. He is a Maverick for life.”
Doctors say his road to recovery will be “long and arduous, perhaps an even more difficult physical challenge than playing professional basketball.”
“His very strong sense of faith is being tested, as he participates in grueling physical therapy and learns how to cope with the challenges of paraplegia,” the statement read.
“With his wife Carrie at his side around the clock and supported by an amazing team of rehabilitation specialists and family, Bradley is in good spirits,” the Mavericks’ statement read. “He plans to use his accident as a platform to bring greater public awareness to the importance of bicycle safety.”
We are thinking of former 76er Shawn Bradley and his family. Wishing them all the best during Shawn’s recovery. https://t.co/7joHRz0qNN
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 17, 2021
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