Former NBA center Shawn Bradley paralyzed as result of bike accident

[bluedigger]

Former NBA center Shawn Bradley suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed, according to a statement released on his behalf by the Dallas Mavericks.

On Jan. 20, Bradley was struck from behind by an automobile while riding his bicycle a block from his home in St. George, Utah. He underwent neck fusion surgery and has spent the past eight weeks hospitalized and undergoing rehabilitation.

"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 statement read, in part. "He plans to use his accident as a platform to bring greater public awareness to the importance of bicycle safety."

The 7-foot-6 Bradley, 48, was the No. 2 overall pick in the 1993 draft, selected by the Philadelphia 76ers after spending two years on a Mormon mission following his freshman year at BYU. He averaged 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks during his 12-season NBA career, spending the past eight and a half years with the Dallas Mavericks.

"We are saddened to hear of Shawn's accident," Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said in the 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."
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31082101/former-nba-center-shawn-bradley-paralyzed-result-bike-accident

I'm unable to understand how someone hit a 7'6" man on a bicycle from behind. They must have been driving while blind. Best wishes to Shawn in his recovery.

[TexasLefty29]

1. Hope they investigated

If there was any foul play for that driver (intox., etc) - nobody deserves to ensure that pain and tragedy.

[bluedigger]

3. Reckless driving charges at the very least.

There's just no excuse for such a stupid accident.

[2naSalit]

2. When I lived in Idaho...

There were several people hit by cars while either jogging or cycling. It should be noted that at least half of the drivers in Idaho and Utah are exceptionally shitty drivers.

[bluedigger]

4. My uncle got hit in the back while on a walk near his house.

He was already retired and the recovery was long and painful. Took years off his life, no doubt. And Steven King got hit while riding his bike as well. Of course he just used it as grist for his writing.

[yonder]

5. Ditto on the shitty drivers.

Some of it is county specific too. Tractors/combines to cars: "just give em their license, they got jobs to git to".