Shawn Paul Bradley is a German-American former professional basketball player who played center for the National Basketball Association’s Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and Dallas Mavericks. Bradley, nicknamed the Stormin’ Mormon, is one of the NBA’s tallest players, standing 7 feet 6 inches. But what happened to him back in 2021?
Shawn Bradley, a former NBA center, was paralyzed in a biking accident. Since quadriplegia at that height has no medical precedence, he has regarded his height as an impediment to recovery.
The Bicycle Accident That Changed Shaw Bradley’s Life
Shawn Bradley, a former NBA center, was riding his bicycle when he was hit by a moving vehicle, causing him to collide with a parked car on the road’s shoulder.
Bradley was paralyzed in the collision on the afternoon of January 20, 2021. The crash happened a block from Bradley’s home, according to a statement made by the Dallas Mavericks last week.
The driver of the moving vehicle, a Dodge van, told police she noticed the bicycle and passed Bradley at around ten mph, giving the cyclist plenty of space by placing their driver-side tire between the two yellow sets of double lines.
According to the report, the V1 driver noticed the cyclist flipping in the air and landing on their back as they passed V2.
The rider collided with V2’s driver-side rear bumper, causing the bicycle and cyclist to move along the top of the trunk and the cyclist to continue along the side of V1, producing scrapes and multiple dents.
Bradley did not recollect what happened later that day at the hospital, but when police followed up with him the next day at the hospital, he told them he noticed V2 parked on the road and was about to pass it when V1 made contact with him and sent him into V2.
The passenger in the Saturn later told authorities over the phone that the bicyclist’s impact appeared to have occurred around the time V1 passed V2.
Police received GPS data on Bradley’s riding path, which revealed that he was never traveling faster than 14 mph on the road where the tragedy occurred and was traveling at a moderate speed at the time of the collision. (Source: USA Today)
Shawn Bradley’s Recovery Status
Medically, he is classified as a quadriplegic. He can’t feel anything below his chest. He can, however, move and utilize his arms.
Bradley has to wake up every few hours at night and turn, which is a difficult effort, to avoid bedsores. Through it all, his wife Carrie has been by his side, trying to make the best of a bad situation, finding moments of optimism and humor to help lessen the pain.
We attempt to be optimistic. I’m not good at it. I’m okay at it. Carrie is fantastic at it. So I’m glad for how much she helps me stay positive in so many ways.
Shawn Bradley, Former NBA Player
Still, Bradley, a devout Christian, finds it difficult. He doesn’t want to be a burden on those he cares about.
I wouldn’t call myself depressed. But some thoughts enter your mind. Perhaps it would be easier for everyone around me if I wasn’t here. It wasn’t only me who was affected; I had the easy part. I sit on a chair, scoot around, and attempt to be as cheerful as possible. Everyone around me carries a heavy burden because I cannot do so.
Shawn Bradley, Former NBA Player
(Source: Mavs Moneyball)
Image from CBS Sports