Alabama A&M Issues Stunning Retraction: Linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. Still Alive
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — In a shocking turn of events, Alabama A&M linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr., who was previously reported deceased, is alive and remains hospitalized with a head injury sustained during an October game. The university’s athletic department issued a retraction on Wednesday, just hours after initially announcing Burnett’s death.
The confusion began when Alabama A&M released a statement based on information provided by an immediate family member of Burnett. The initial announcement sent shockwaves through the college football community, only for the school to later clarify that Burnett is still fighting for his life.
“Our staff acted accordingly to the wishes of the family member to inform the A&M community and beyond of this unfortunate occurrence,” the university said in its retraction. “Upon hearing from a representative from UAB Hospital this afternoon, we learned that he remains alive. We express our immediate regret for disseminating false information. However, we hold complete joy in knowing that Medrick remains in stable condition.”
A Family’s Plea for Prayers
Burnett’s family has been vocal about their ongoing struggle as they hold onto hope for his recovery. A statement on the GoFundMe page set up for Burnett read, “Please pray he is having a tough time but we are holding on til the very end. God give us strength so we can keep the faith.”
The redshirt freshman linebacker, originally from Lakewood, California, joined Alabama A&M’s football program over the summer after transferring from Grambling State. Burnett had been making strides on the field, appearing in seven games this season and recording five tackles, including a standout performance with three tackles against Austin Peay.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
Burnett’s injury occurred during Alabama A&M’s game against Alabama State on October 26. While details of the play that led to his injury remain unclear, the aftermath has been a harrowing experience for his family, teammates, and the university community.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the timeline:
- October 26: Burnett suffers a head injury during the game against Alabama State.
- November 26: A family member informs Alabama A&M of Burnett’s alleged passing, prompting the university to release a statement.
- November 27: The university retracts its earlier statement after receiving confirmation from UAB Hospital that Burnett is still alive.
The retraction has sparked a mix of emotions, from relief that Burnett is still alive to frustration over the premature announcement of his death. The university has expressed its regret for the error, emphasizing that it acted in good faith based on the information provided by Burnett’s family.
A Community Rallies Around Burnett
Despite the confusion, one thing is clear: the Alabama A&M community is rallying around Burnett and his family during this difficult time. Social media has been flooded with messages of support, prayers, and well-wishes for the young linebacker.
Burnett’s story has also drawn attention to the risks associated with football and the importance of player safety. Head injuries remain a significant concern at all levels of the sport, and Burnett’s situation serves as a sobering reminder of the physical toll the game can take.
What’s Next?
As of now, Burnett remains in stable condition at UAB Hospital. His family and the university have not provided further updates on his prognosis, but the focus remains on his recovery. The GoFundMe page for Burnett continues to accept donations to assist with medical expenses, and supporters are encouraged to contribute and share messages of encouragement.
For Alabama A&M, this incident underscores the importance of clear communication during times of crisis. While the university’s initial statement was made with the best intentions, the subsequent retraction highlights the need for accurate and verified information, especially in matters as sensitive as this.
As the college football world waits for more updates on Burnett’s condition, one thing is certain: the young linebacker has the unwavering support of his teammates, coaches, and fans. Here’s hoping for a full recovery and a brighter future for Medrick Burnett Jr.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
