Medrick Burnett Jr., a linebacker for Alabama A&M, continues to be hospitalized with a head injury sustained during a game on October 26 against Alabama State.
The university initially reported that Burnett Jr. had passed away but later issued a correction after receiving updated information from UAB Hospital.
Highlights
- Medrick Burnett Jr., a redshirt freshman from California, was injured in a head-on collision during the Magic City Classic.
- In the video of the incident, Burnett gives a thumbs-up as he is being taken off the field, which initially reassured many that he might be okay.
- He played in seven games for Alabama A&M and recorded five tackles, three of which came in a game against Austin Peay.
The athletic department explained that the original announcement of his death came from an immediate family member.
The confusion happened when Alabama A&M announced they had received the news about Medrick Burnett Jr. from his father in California.
However, by 5:15 p.m., it was clarified that Burnett Jr. was still alive and on life support, according to a message from his mother, Denise.
The school regretted the earlier misinformation and expressed relief over the positive update on his condition.
A statement on Burnett’s GoFundMe page also described the challenging situation, asking for prayers and expressing hope while emphasizing the family’s faith during this difficult time.
Medrick Burnett Jr. Is In Life Support Following The Head-On Collision During The Game
Medrick Burnett Jr., a redshirt freshman from California, was injured in a head-on collision during the Magic City Classic.
In the video of the incident, Burnett gives a thumbs-up as he is being taken off the field, which initially reassured many that he might be okay.
Well, Medrick Burnett Jr. suffered multiple brain bleeds and swelling after the injury.
Doctors had to use a tube to drain fluid and reduce the pressure in his brain.
When the pressure didn’t improve after two days, the doctors performed a craniotomy, a last-ditch surgery to try to save his life.
People have pointed out that it’s common for someone to seem fine right after a brain injury, like giving a thumbs up, even if they later develop serious complications.
It’s pretty common to initially appear OK after a brain bleed. It can turn worse later.
UnexpectedLizard
The video initially gave the impression that the situation wasn’t overly serious.
Thus, People expressed their sadness, saying it’s also a reminder of how dangerous football can be and the risks these young athletes face every time they play for the entertainment of others.
The tackle appeared to be a reasonably routine gang tackle, and while one player’s helmet came off, it wasn’t Medrick Burnett’s.
Jesus, that’s awful. If anyone saw the play, was his helmet on when he had this collision, or was it a play where it came off and he knocked heads with someone?
Jpiro
At first glance, nothing about the play seemed particularly catastrophic, which made the injury’s severity even more unexpected.
It’s shocking how quickly things changed. He left the field with a thumbs up and a kiss, and just three weeks later, he’s in life support
Medrick Burnett, a redshirt freshman from Lakewood, California, joined Alabama A&M’s team in the summer after starting his college career at Grambling State.
He played in seven games for Alabama A&M and recorded five tackles, three of which came in a game against Austin Peay.
Additional Information
- Medrick’s sister, Dominece James, mentioned that he had just turned 20 year-old on October 27.
- His mother, Denise Burnett, told the officials that they would release a statement about their experiences during this difficult time when the time was right.
- Burnett’s move from Grambling State to Alabama A&M was influenced by Cedric Thornton, who had served as Grambling State’s defensive coordinator before joining the Bulldogs’ coaching staff in the offseason.
- He stands at 6’2″ and weighs around 225 pounds.
