An Alabama A&M University football player has tragically passed away following a head injury sustained during a game. Medrick Burnett Jr., a 20-year-old linebacker, was in his first season with the team when he suffered the injury during the Magic City Classic against Alabama State University on October 26. The Jefferson County coroner confirmed that Burnett died Wednesday evening.
The Alabama A&M athletic department initially announced Burnett’s death on Wednesday morning, only to retract the statement later in the day after clarifying that the information came from a family member on Tuesday evening.
Burnett, originally from Lakewood, California, joined Alabama A&M over the summer after beginning his college football career at Grambling State University.
The news of Burnett’s passing is a somber reminder of the risks athletes face in contact sports. The athletic program and the community will undoubtedly come together to honor his memory and support one another during this difficult time.
This tragic event underscores the importance of safety measures and protocols in sports, aiming for greater awareness and improved protections for athletes. The hope is that this incident will lead to enhanced safety standards and practices in collegiate athletics, ultimately fostering a safer environment for young athletes.