Alabama A&M University has now announced that redshirt freshman linebacker Medrick Barnett Jr. has not died, despite releasing a statement earlier Wednesday saying otherwise.
The athletic department retracted its statement regarding Barnett, 20, who was injured in a game against Alabama State earlier this season.
The revised statement said the initial news of Barnett's death came “on Tuesday night from next of kin.” That turned out to be a lie.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Mississippi State Bulldogs football during the game between Mississippi State and Missouri Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
A second statement said, “Our staff acted in accordance with the family's desire to inform the A&M community and beyond of this unfortunate event.” “This afternoon I heard from a representative from UAB Hospital and found out he is still alive.
“We immediately regret any misinformation that was disseminated. However, we are pleased to learn that Medrick is in stable condition.”
FOX NEWS DIGITAL SPORTS College Football Winners and Losers: Week 13
A GoFundMe page set up by Barnett's sister, Domines James, released its own statement on Wednesday.
“Please pray that he is going through a lot, but we are persevering to the end. May God give us the strength to continue in the faith. Please,” the statement said.
The GoFundMe earlier said Barnett was suffering from bleeding and swelling on the brain from a head injury sustained in a game in late October.
Goal posts before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the North Carolina Tar Heels at Notre Dame Stadium on November 4, 2006 in South Bend, Indiana. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
“He had to have a tube put in to relieve the pressure and after two days of severe compression we were forced to opt for craniotomy, which was the last step to save his life. ,” James said on the GoFundMe page. .
A corner pylon in the end zone before the Gasparilla Bowl between the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets and UCF Knights at Raymond James Stadium. (Jacen Binlove/USA Today Sports)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Barnett played in five games for Alabama A&M this season, recording five total tackles.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcastplease subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
