The Alma mater of late football player Jamain “Juice” Stephens has apologized after reporting he died of complications due to COVID-19.
Central Catholic Principal Brother Tony Baginski said in a statement that, “we mistakenly attributed his death without confirmation on cause of death. We had obtained the information about his passing from close friends of Jamain, who reached out to us with the news.”
The statement goes on to say, “We apologize for this error, and this information has since been removed from our Facebook announcement dated 9/8/2020. At this time, we do not have official confirmation on his cause of death. Jamain was the embodiment of everything a Central Catholic student should be: kind, gentle, giving, faithful and a friend to all. We pray for Jamain and his friends and family during this terrible time.”
Stephens was a senior at California University of Pennsylvania and was a defensive lineman.
Stephens, entering his senior year, played in 32 games for the Vulcans in his first three years at Cal U as a reserve defensive lineman and last season also played special teams.
Academically, Stephens was working toward his degree in business administration.
Stephens was the son of former Steelers 1st round draft pick offensive tackle Jamain Stephens.
The Cal U Vultures athletic programs have been suspended for the fall after a decision was made by the PSAC.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
While at Central Catholic, Stephens was named a second-team all-conference as a senior, a member of district championship team as a junior and senior. He also served as a member with Brothers and Sisters emerging and was also with My Brother’s Keeper and the Black Student Union.