Jump to content

Weathersby's condition upgraded


JonFnKitna

Recommended Posts

Weathersby upgraded

4-27-04-3:45 p.m.

BY GEOFF HOBSON

The Bengals received good news on cornerback Dennis Weathersby’s condition Tuesday when University Hospital reported he has been upgraded from serious to fair.

“Mr. Weathersby is now ready,” a hospital spokesperson said, “to begin the rehabilitation phase of his recovery.”

It’s the first time that Weathersby’s head injury has been upgraded since he was involved in an April 12 car accident in Springdale.

“We are excited about the progress of Dennis’ recovery,” said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. “He and his family are very appreciative of all the good wishes and prayers they have received. And once again, the Bengals organization would like to thank University Hospital and the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit for their warmth and professionalism in caring for Dennis."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Below is an AP article posted on NFL.com. Thank God Dennis is improving, but I'd guess his football career is over.

Dennis Weathersby was moved out of an intensive care unit, but the Bengals cornerback still has months of therapy ahead as he recovers from a severe head injury sustained in a car accident.

Weathersby had been in a special neurological unit at University Hospital since his car went off a highway ramp and hit a utility pole April 12. He was upgraded from serious to fair condition April 27 and moved out of the 20-bed unit.

Patients must be awake and alert to leave the unit, which typically treats people who have had head injuries and strokes, Dr. Lori Shutter said. The 23-year-old Weathersby will remain in the hospital while getting therapy.

He will be evaluated every few months to measure his progress, Shutter said.

"Some people never wake up from an injury like this," said Shutter, who directs the unit and treated Weathersby. "The fact that somebody is moving on this quickly to rehab is a good sign in general. Where the ultimate end point will be is hard to know."

Head trauma patients tend to have some permanent change as a result of their injuries, Shutter said.

"Most of the data suggests that for people with severe traumatic brain injury, 90 percent to 100 percent have some residual disability," she said. "It may be as minor as their personality is a little different or their memory is a little worse."

Weathersby had been looking forward to a prominent career in the NFL before he sustained two significant injuries unrelated to football.

The fast cornerback from Oregon State was projected as a high draft pick before he was wounded in a drive-by shooting in suburban Los Angeles last April. Police said he was an innocent victim of gang violence.

A bullet entered his back, passed just below his lung and lodged in his arm. He was so weak from the loss of blood that he could only walk a few steps on draft day, prompting him to slide to the fourth round.

He wasn't fully recovered by the time training camp opened, and appeared in only four games on special teams during the season. Coach Marvin Lewis was counting on him to play a much larger role this season before the head injury put his career in jeopardy.

Weathersby will get therapy to restore his strength and coordination, and sharpen his speech, memory, concentration and other mental functions.

AP NEWS

The Associated Press News Service

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Like I said before, it would suprise me if he ever played again. As stated in the article the probability of another problem in the future is high and I doubt he will put himself in that position. However, I wouldn't put past him trying to make a comeback at some point. In my opinion and based on my knowledge of the situation, there are diminished capabilities and there is very little probability he willl regain his abilities to the same level. I'm always hoping for the best, however, I think the best at this point is a normal life to not include football. Hope I'm wrong. Glad he is doing better !!!

WHODEY !!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...