Former Dallas Mavericks player Shawn Bradley has been paralyzed after a bicycle accident in January, his former team announced Wednesday. The 48-year-old was hit by a car from behind while riding his bicycle near his home in St. Louis. George, Utah, drove, Mavericks said.
The accident caused a traumatic spinal cord injury and Bradley underwent neck fusion surgery. He spent eight weeks in hospital and underwent rehabilitation.
The former center, who is 7 inches tall, has played 14 seasons in the NBA. He had not previously released any details about the crash. According to the statement from Mavericks, he does not intend to issue more public updates.
“We are saddened to hear of Shawn’s accident,” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said in a statement. “Shawn has always been incredibly determined and has shown a fighting spirit. We wish him all the best in his recovery. He will always be part of our Mavs family.”
“We are very sad 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 seasons in Dallas, Shawn has demonstrated all the qualities you want in a person who represents your organization. He has always shown unwavering grit and determination and we think of him in this difficult time. He is lifelong.” n Maverick. “
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Doctors advised Bradley that the road to recovery would be ‘long and arduous, perhaps an even more difficult physical challenge than playing professional basketball’, according to a statement. “His very strong sense of faith is being tested as he engages in grueling physical therapy and learns how to meet the challenges of paraplegia,” the statement said.
Bradley, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served two years as a missionary in Australia. He was nominated by the Philadelphia 76ers as the number two in the 1993 NBA draft. He also starred in the 1996 film “Space Jam” with Michael Jordan.
Bradley retired in 2005 and, according to CBS Sports, became a counselor at a private youth school in West Jordan, Utah.
“With his wife, Carrie, at his side for 24 hours, and supported by an incredible team of rehabilitation specialists and family, Bradley is in a good mood,” the Mavericks said in a statement. “He plans to use his accident as a platform to make the public more aware of the importance of bicycle safety.”