Ex-NBA center Bradley paralyzed after accident
Former Dallas Mavericks center Shawn Bradley on Wednesday released the first public details about a January bicycle accident that left him paralyzed and in the hospital for the last eight weeks.
In a statement through the Mavericks, Bradley said was struck from behind by an automobile Jan. 20 while riding his bicycle about a block from his St. George, Utah, home.
Bradley suffered a “traumatic spinal cord injury,” according to the statement, and underwent neck fusion surgery.
“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 statement read.
Bradley, 48, played for the Mavericks from 1997 to his retirement in 2005, known for his defense and blocking presence around the rim as a 7-6 center. Philadelphia selected him out of BYU with the No. 2 overall pick in the 1993 draft after he finished two years of missionary work in Australia.
Bradley plans to use his accident to promote awareness about bicycle safety.
“Shawn has always been incredibly determined and shown a fighting spirit,” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said in a statement. “We wish him nothing but the best in his recovery. He will always be a part of our Mavs family.”
Added Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Shawn’s injury and our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. In his eightplus seasons in Dallas, Shawn demonstrated all of the qualities you want in a person representing your organization. He has always exhibited unwavering grit and determination and we are thinking of him at this difficult time. He is a Maverick for life.”