Former Dallas Mavericks center Shawn Bradley paralyzed after car hit his bike

Former NBA center Shawn Bradley suffered a spinal cord injury in January that left him paralyzed, according to a statement by the Dallas Mavericks.

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Bradley, 48, who played for Dallas during nine of his 12 seasons in the NBA, was hit from behind by an automobile on Jan. 20 while riding a bicycle near his home in St. George, Utah, ESPN reported.

The 7-foot-6 former player underwent neck fusion surgery and has spent the last eight weeks hospitalized and undergoing rehabilitation, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.

“With his wife Carrie at his side around the clock, and supported by an amazing team of rehabilitation specialists and family, Bradley is in good spirits,” the Mavericks’ statement read. “He plans to use his accident as a platform to bring greater public awareness to the importance of bicycle safety.”

“We are saddened to hear of Shawn’s accident,” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said in a statement. “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.”

After playing his freshman season at Brigham Young University, Bradley served a two-year church mission and was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as the No. 2 pick in the 1993 NBA draft. At BYU in 1991, Bradley averaged 14.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.2 blocks per game. In his NBA career, Bradley averaged 8.1 points, 6.3 boards and 2.5 blocks per game.

Brigham Young University, where Bradley starred during his college career, issued a statement offering its “heartfelt sympathies” to Bradley and his family.

“We were devastated to learn of Shawn’s injury and join with all of Cougar Nation in thoughts and prayers for the Bradley family during this difficult time,” the statement said. “We admire Shawn for his positive attitude through this and his desire to use his platform to promote bike safety.”

Cox Media Group