Some shocking and sad news was released by the Dallas Mavericks this week regarding one of their best players to ever don the Mavs jersey.
Prayers up for Shawn Bradley and his family.
The Mavericks released a statement regarding Bradley:
“Shawn Bradley released the first public details today of the accident that he suffered on January 20, 2021. Bradley, the 7’6” former NBA player with the Dallas Mavericks, was struck from behind by an automobile while riding his bicycle a mere block from his home in St. George, Utah. The accident caused a traumatic spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. After undergoing neck fusion surgery, Bradley has spent the last eight weeks hospitalized and undergoing rehabilitation.”
Mavs coach Rick Carlisle also shared a few words of his own. In the statement, Carlisle said, “Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to Shawn Bradley. That news obviously broke in recent hours and I know that all of Mavericks’ nation feels the same sentiments. We hope that he does better. Just very tragic news to hear. So thoughts and prayers to him and his family.”
Bradley, through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has dedicated his life not only to the sport but to caring for others through his missionary work as well.
“His very strong sense of faith is being tested as he participates in grueling physical therapy and learns how to cope with the challenges of paraplegia. 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.”
Mavericks Statement
The Mavs statement continued to state that his wife Carrie has been constantly by his side as he begins this uphill battle. And despite all of the pain Bradley has been through, he “is in good spirits and “plans to use his accident as a platform to bring greater public awareness to the importance of bicycle safety.”
The statement concluded that Bradley has a “deep appreciation for the outpouring of well wishes and prayers he has received from family, friends, and fans.”
Mark Cuban said this:
“We are saddened to hear of Shawn’s accident,” Cuban said via the Mavs. “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.”
Here’s what Donnie Nelson said:
“We are deeply saddened to hear of Shawn’s injury and our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family,” Nelson said per the Mavs. “In his eight-plus 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.”
Bradley and his family is being prayed for by many, including the NBA and basketball community:
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