Alabama A&M has withdrawn its announcement of the death of football player Medrick Burnett Jr., saying the redshirt freshman is in stable condition.
Burnett, a linebacker, suffered a head injury in an October game against Alabama State. Since then he has been admitted to UAB Hospital.
school's The athletic department said On Tuesday evening, he was informed of Burnett's alleged death by “an immediate family member” and “acted in accordance with the family member's wishes” to inform the public.
On Wednesday, the department said it had heard from a hospital representative and learned that Burnett is alive.
Alabama A&M
“We immediately apologize for spreading inaccurate information, however, we are absolutely pleased to learn that Medrick is in stable condition,” the school said.
Burnett, of Lakewood, California, began his football career at Grambling State University in Louisiana before transferring to Alabama A&M. According to the school's athletics websiteHe played in seven games and recorded five tackles, three of which were against Austin Peay.
A GoFundMe for Burnett had raised more than $40,000 as of Thursday morning.
The GoFundMe says, “Please pray that he is facing difficult times, but we are persevering to the end. May God give us strength so that we can keep the faith.”