Alabama A&M says the player remains in stable condition, hours after announcing his death

Huntsville, Alabama
AP
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Alabama A&M linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. remains hospitalized with a head injury suffered in a fight in October, the school said hours after announcing his death.

The athletic department issued a retraction on Wednesday about the status of Burnett, who was injured in a game against Alabama State on Oct. 26. The second statement said the first news of Burnett’s death came “from an immediate family member Tuesday evening.”

“Our staff acted in accordance with the family member’s wishes to inform the A&M community and beyond of this unfortunate incident,” Wednesday evening’s statement said. “Hearing from a UAB Hospital representative this afternoon, we learned he is still alive.

“We express our immediate regret for spreading false information. But we are absolutely delighted to know that Medrick remains in stable condition.”

A declaration of gofundme.com side for Burnett said Wednesday: “Please pray that he has a hard time, but we are holding on to the end. God give us strength to keep the faith.”

The redshirt freshman from Lakewood, Calif., joined Alabama A&M’s staff over the summer after starting his college career at Grambling State.

Burnett played in seven games and made five tackles, including three against Austin Peay.