Former Philadelphia 76ers center Shawn Bradley was left paralyzed after he was involved in a bicycle accident near his home in St. George, Utah in January, the Dallas Mavericks announced in a statement Wednesday.
According to the statement, Bradley was riding his bicycle about a block from his home when he was struck from behind by a car.
The former center and BYU standout suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. The 48-year-old underwent neck fusion surgery and has spent the last eight weeks hospitalized and is undergoing rehabilitation.
Bradley was the Sixers' second overall pick in 1993. He spent three seasons in Philadelphia before being traded to the New Jersey Nets. Bradley played the bulk of his career (1997-2005) with the Dallas Mavericks.
"We are saddened to hear of Shawn's accident," Mavs owner Mark Cuban said. "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."
The organization says Bradley is in good spirits and plans to use the accident as a "platform to bring greater public awareness to the importance of bicycle safety."
"We are deeply saddened to hear of Shawn's injury and our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his famly. 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," said president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson.
Bradley spent eight and a half seasons with the Mavericks in his 12-year career, averaging 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game.