TariAJ Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 Lucas, 26, suffered apparent spinal cord injury Associated Press LOS ANGELES -- 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 all attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, team physician Dr. Luga Podesta said in a statement. A call to a hospital spokesman was not immediately 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. Lucas, 26, was injured during a first-quarter kickoff return against the New York Dragons. Television replays showed Lucas bending down to make a tackle. As the Dragons' ball carrier and a blocker tumbled over his head and back, the blocker's leg appeared to hit Lucas in the head. Lucas did not move after falling to the ground. The 6-foot-1, 300-pound lineman played two seasons (2000-01) for the Carolina Panthers, recording 49? tackles in 20 games. He attended Troy State from 1996-99 and was named the top defensive player in Division I-AA his senior season. "Al Lucas played arena football with passion and integrity. The entire AFL family extends its deepest sympathies to Al's wife and family as well as his friends, family and teammates," commissioner David Baker said in a statement. Lucas was married to De-Shonda Lucas and had a daughter, Mariah. Several football players have died in the past 40 years following injuries incurred on the field. Most recently, University of Washington defensive back Curtis Williams died of complications from paralysis in May 2002 following a helmet-to-helmet hit during a game against Stanford nearly two years earlier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Juanky Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 Holy s***. RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 Good God almighty, that's awful. RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Fritz Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 That's really shocking and tragic. RIP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miami15 Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 So that a few hours ago. That's really gruesome. I couldn't tell from the article, but was he pronounced dead on the field? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UMFan4Life7 Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 RIP...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 RIP, that is awful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UMFan4Life7 Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 I couldn't tell from the article, but was he pronounced dead on the field? 737145[/snapback] Lucas was pronounced dead at California Hospital after all attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, team physician Dr. Luga Podesta said in a statement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iowa Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 Made my heart jump.. a friend of mine, the brother of one of my buddies, plays WR for the NY Dragons. RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TarHeel324 Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 thats awful RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hollyberry Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 That is really sad :prayer RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heckeroo Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 wow unbelievable RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FishFanInPA Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryan Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHUfishfan Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 That's horrible news. All the best to his family... RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boog Sciambi Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 That's horrible news. All the best to his family... RIP 737386[/snapback] ditto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miami15 Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 I couldn't tell from the article, but was he pronounced dead on the field? 737145[/snapback] Lucas was pronounced dead at California Hospital after all attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, team physician Dr. Luga Podesta said in a statement. 737165[/snapback] Yeah, but is he dead if he can't be revived on the field. Like unofficially? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flamarlins3 Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 sad stuff RIP I'm surprised that stuff like this doesn't happen more often in football though :confused Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UMFan4Life7 Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 Yeah, but is he dead if he can't be revived on the field. Like unofficially? 737465[/snapback] I guess you're right. But like you said, UNOFFICIALLY. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floridafan13 Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miami15 Posted April 11, 2005 Share Posted April 11, 2005 Yeah, but is he dead if he can't be revived on the field. Like unofficially? 737465[/snapback] I guess you're right. But like you said, UNOFFICIALLY. 737842[/snapback] What I said was dumb. If you're pronounced dead you're officially dead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodge Posted April 12, 2005 Share Posted April 12, 2005 That's very sad news, RIP ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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