Shawn Bradley, a German-American former professional basketball player, is paralyzed after suffering a spinal cord injury in January, according to a statement by the Dallas Mavericks.
The 48-year-old played center for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and Dallas Mavericks of the NBA.
On January 20, Bradley was hit from behind by an automobile while riding a bicycle near his home in St. George, Utah, according to ESPN. Later, he underwent neck fusion surgery. He has spent the last eight weeks hospitalized and undergoing rehabilitation, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.
The Maverick’s 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. He plans to use his accident as a platform to bring greater public awareness to the importance of bicycle safety.”
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said in a statement, “We are saddened to hear of Shawn’s accident. 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.”
He played his freshman season at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, serving a two-year church mission. He was then drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as the No. 2 pick in the 1993 NBA draft.
BYU, where Bradley starred during his college career, issued a statement offering its “heartfelt sympathies” to Bradley and his family.
The statement read, “We were devastated to learn of Shawn’s injury and join with all of Cougar Nation in thoughts and prayers for the Bradley family during this difficult time. We admire Shawn for his positive attitude through this and his desire to use his platform to promote bike safety.” The story was published on WOKV.
