Former NBA center Shawn Bradley was riding his bike a block away from his house in St. George, Utah in January when a car hit him from behind, causing a traumatic spinal cord injury. The accident left him paralyzed.
Bradley underwent neck fusion surgery and has been in the hospital for the past eight weeks going through rehabilitation, USA Today reports.
The Dallas Mavericks released a statement saying Bradley does not plan to issue any more public updates, focusing instead on his rehabilitation. But he wanted to express his gratitude for all of the well wishes and prayers from his family, friends and fans.
“Doctors have advised him that his road to recovery will be both long and arduous, perhaps an even more difficult physical challenge than playing professional basketball,” the Mavericks said in the statement. “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 Wish Shawn Bradley Well
“We are saddened to hear of Shawn’s accident,” Mavericks team governor Mark Cuban said, according to Bleacher Report. “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.”
The 48-year-old center earned the nickname “The Stormin’ Mormon” over the years. He started out at Brigham Young University, where he set a program record of 5.2 blocks per game. And he led the Cougars to the second round of the 1991 NCAA tournament.
From there he went to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he became part of the 1993-94 All-Rookie team. In the end, Bradley would play 12 NBA seasons, nine of those for Dallas. He racked up an average of 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks during his NBA tenure.
Bradley is 7 feet 6 inches tall. He will turn 49 on March 22.
