Former Dallas Mavericks player Shawn Bradley was paralyzed after a bicycle accident in January, his former team announced on Wednesday. The 48-year-old was hit by a car while cycling near his home in St. George, Utah, the Mavericks said.
The accident caused a traumatic spinal cord injury and Bradley underwent neck fusion surgery. He spent eight weeks in the hospital and in rehab.
The former pivot – who is 2.15 meters tall – has played 14 seasons in the NBA. He had not released any details about the accident. According to the Mavericks statement, he does not plan to release any more public updates.
“We are sad to hear about Shawn’s accident,” said Mavericks owner Mark Cuban in a statement. “Shawn has always been incredibly determined and has shown a fighting spirit. We wish him nothing but the best in his recovery. He will always be part of our Mavs family.”
“We are deeply saddened to learn of Shawn’s injury and our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family,” said Dallas Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson in a statement. “In his more than eight seasons in Dallas, Shawn has demonstrated all the qualities you desire in a person who represents your organization. He has always displayed unwavering courage and determination and we are thinking of him in this difficult time. He is a Maverick for the rest of life . “
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Doctors advised Bradley that the road to recovery will be “long and arduous, perhaps an even more difficult physical challenge than playing professional basketball,” according to a statement. “His strong sense of faith is being tested as he participates in strenuous physical therapy and learns how to deal with the challenges of paraplegia,” says the statement.
Bradley, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, worked as a missionary in Australia for two years. He was chosen by the Philadelphia 76ers as the number two choice in the 1993 NBA draft. He also had a role in the 1996 film “Space Jam”, alongside Michael Jordan.
Bradley retired in 2005 and became a counselor at a private school for at-risk youth in West Jordan, Utah, according to CBS Sports.
“With his wife Carrie at his side at all times and supported by an incredible team of rehab and family experts, Bradley is in a good mood,” says the Mavericks statement. “He plans to use the accident as a platform to raise public awareness about the importance of bicycle safety.”