HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — According to Alabama A&M Sports Information Director Brian Howard, Bulldogs football player Medrick Burnett Jr. is still alive and on life support following an injury during the Magic City Classic.
Burnett Jr.'s mother, who is with him at the hospital, also says that he is still alive.
FOX54's Simon Williams spoke to Howard about the player's condition and reports earlier today that he had passed away. Howard said the university got news last night from Burnett, Sr., who is on the West Coast, that Burnett, Jr. had passed.
This statement was released by the school:
"We retract the news of the passing of Medrick Burnett Jr., that was originally advised by an immediate family member on Tuesday evening. Our staff acted accordingly to the wishes of the family member to inform the A&M community and beyond of this unfortunate occurrence.
"Upon hearing from a representative from UAB hospital this afternoon, we learned that he remains alive.
"We express our immediate regret for disseminating false information however, we hold complete joy in knowing that medrick remains in stable condition."
This corrects an earlier report of the player's death. On Wednesday morning, Alabama A&M University officials released a statement reporting that Burnett Jr. had died. The statement has since been removed from the school's website and social media.
Bulldogs Head Football Coach Connell Maynor wore Burnett Jr.'s No. 51 the week following his injury, telling FOX54, "at the end of the day we play a game, but his life is on the line and that's on our hearts."
Burnett Jr. appeared in seven games for Alabama A&M this season, recording three tackles during a game at Austin Peay.
To support the Burnett family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe page has been set up.