Arena player Al Lucas dies of spinal injury

[theHandpuppet]

Arena player dies of spinal injury
Posted: Sunday April 10, 2005 7:20PM; Updated: Sunday April 10, 2005 10:50PM


LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Former NFL defensive lineman Al Lucas died Sunday from a presumed spinal cord injury sustained while trying to make a tackle for the Los Angeles Avengers during an Arena Football League game, the team said.


Lucas was pronounced dead at California Hospital after attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, team physician Dr. Luga Podesta said in a statement.

A call to a California Hospital spokesman was not returned.

"It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Al Lucas. At this time, the thoughts and prayers of the entire Avenger organization are with his wife and family," team owner and chief executive officer Casey Wasserman said in a statement.

More at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/football/more/04/10/bc.fba.playerdeath.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

[trotsky]

1. Really makes you pause and think.

So many years of professional football, so many developments in protective gear and proper tackling technique, and this can still happen. Only 26 years young, and died while entertaining us. I feel so sad for his family.