Alabama A&M University is now saying redshirt freshman defensive lineman Medrick Burnett Jr. has not died after releasing a statement Wednesday saying otherwise.
The athletic department withdrew its statement regarding Burnett, a 20-year-old player injured in a game against Alabama State earlier this season.
The revised statement said the initial news about Burnett’s death came from “From a close family member on Tuesday evening,” it turned out to be false.
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Mississippi State Bulldogs football during the game between Mississippi State and the Missouri Tigers in November on September 23, 2024 at Davis Wade Field in Starkville, Missouri. (Michael Wade/Sportswire Icon via Getty Images)
“Our officials acted on family members’ wishes to inform the A&M community and beyond of this unfortunate incident,” a second statement said. “This afternoon We were informed by a representative from UAB Hospital that he is still alive.”
“We immediately apologize for spreading false information, however, we are very pleased to learn that Medrick remains in a stable condition.”
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Burnett’s GoFundMe page, which was set up by his sister Dominece James, issued a statement Wednesday.
“Please pray that he is having a difficult time. But we will endure until the end. God gives us strength. So that we can keep the faith,” the statement said.
The GoFundMe previously explained that Burnett was dealing with a brain bleed and swelling from a head injury sustained in a game in late October.
Goal posts before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the North Carolina Tar Heels on September 4, 2006 at Notre Dame Stadium. South Bend, Ind. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
“He had to have a drain to relieve the pressure. And after 2 days of intense pressure We had to choose craniotomy. It was a last resort to save his life,” James said on the GoFundMe page.
Corner post in the end zone in front of the Gasparilla Bowl between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the UCF Knights at Raymond James Stadium. (Jasen Vinlove/USA Today Sports)
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Burnett played in five games for Alabama A&M this season, totaling five tackles.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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