The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
LeCounte stable, ‘ lucky to be alive’ aftermotorcycle accident
ATHENS — Georgia safety Richard LeCounte was struck by two cars while driving his motorcycle in an accident that occurred Saturday night in the hours after the Bulldogs had returned from their game in Kentucky.
“He’s lucky to be alive,” said Erika Blocker- LeCounte, Richard’smother. “Hewaswearinghis helmet and ( that) saved his life.”
LeCounte was listed in stable condition.
Ron Courson, UGA’s director of sports medicine, said in a statement Sunday that LeCounte would remain at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital
“for further medical care. His injuries are not life- threatening and a full recovery is expected.”
It’s unlikely, however, that he will be able to play football for a while. Le Count esu ff ff ff ff ff f fe red a shoulder injury, bruised ribs and several cuts and scrapes. However,
he did not suffer any broken bones and has not required surgery.
“God spared him his life, we can’t ask for more,” his mother said. “Glory to God.”
Le Coun te is arguably Georgia’ s best defensive player. He had a career- high 13 tackles and a fumble recovery in No. 5 Georgia’s 14- 3 win over Kentucky in Lexington on Saturday. For the season, he leads the team in interceptions ( three) and is third in tackles ( 26).
After Saturday’s game, LeCounte talked about how the defense was going tohave to press on in the wake of injuries to several key players. “Sorry to say it, but it really is the next man up in this profession,” he said. “We have guys that came here to do these things. A couple of guys got dinged up and we’re ready to come back nextweek and fix what we need to fix. We have a lot of guys waiting to get the chance to show what theyare able to do, and I’m excited for those guys. I pray for a speedy recovery for the guys that got hurt.”
Le Coun te is considered the captain of Georgia’s defensive backs and makes most of the defensive calls for the secondary. Fellow safety Lewis Cine ( ankle) also was injured Saturday.
The Bulldogs will turn to junior Christopher Smith of Atlanta, whohas played in all five games, and also will look to Latavious Brini and William Pooletoplay. They might also consider moving either Tyrique Stevenson or Mark Webb from the star position into one of the safety spots.
Georgia ( 4- 1) plays Florida on Saturday in Jacksonville. The Gators could be without several players due to possible suspensions after a brawl during their win over Missouri on Saturday night.