BYU Legend Shawn Bradley Paralyzed In Bike Crash
Mar 17, 2021, 12:36 PM | Updated: Mar 19, 2021, 3:38 pm
BYU center Shawn Bradley (Credit: Allsport USA/ALLSPORT)
(Credit: Allsport USA/ALLSPORT)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – BYU legend and longtime NBA veteran Shawn Bradley is paralyzed after being hit by a car while riding his bike according to Dallas Mavericks public relations.
In a release Wednesday, the Mavericks unveiled details about a January 20 incident that left Bradley paralyzed near his St. George home.
“The accident caused a traumatic spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed after undergoing neck fusion surgery,” the release read. “Bradley has spent the last eight weeks hospitalized and undergoing rehabilitation.”
The Dallas Mavericks have issued a press release on behalf of former Maverick Shawn Bradley as well as statements from Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson. pic.twitter.com/F9fCtlZ1zJ
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) March 17, 2021
Bradley spent one season at BYU where he averaged 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and an NCAA record 5.2 blocks per game as a freshman.
“Bradley, a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints spent two years performing missionary work in Australia after his freshman year at Brigham Young University.”
Following his mission, Bradley entered his name into the 1993 NBA Draft where he was the second overall pick by the Philadephia 76ers.
Bradley was traded by the 76ers to the New Jersey Nets in 1995, before being sent to the Mavericks in 1997 where he would play the final 7 seasons of his 12 year NBA career.
Meet Philadelphia's newest skyscraper: 7'6" Shawn Bradley! pic.twitter.com/8ZdTWPtvIl
— Sixers History (@SixersHistory) November 25, 2017
“We are saddened to hear of Shawn’s accident,” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said in the release. “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.”
According to the Maverics, “Bradley is in good spirits,” and plans to use his accident as a platform to bring greater public awareness to the importance of bicycle safety.
“Bradley asked to convey his deep appreciation for the outpouring of well wishes and prayers, he has received from family, friends and fans.”
