USC Running Back Stafon Johnson Seriously Injured

Word out of USC is that senior tailback Stafon Johnson was involved in an horrific weightlifting accident earlier today, and has undergone emergency surgery.

According to the USC RIPSIT Blog, the official USC football site, Johnson was performing the bench press, with a spotter, when the bar slipped out of his right hand.

The weighted bar struck the young man’s throat at an angle.  USC athletic trainers and emergency personnel rushed to the scene to aid Johnson.  At one point Johnson was coughing up blood.

Stafon was rushed to a local hospital where he underwent emergency surgery on his throat.  His status and recovery time is unknown.

Head coach Pete Carroll had this to say…

“It was an unfortunate accident and Stafon is getting great care right now.   We don’t have a lot of information at this point and we’ll keep everyone updated, but our thoughts and prayers are with Stafon.”

We’ll update the story as more information becomes available.  Our thoughts go out to Stafon Johnson, his family and USC teammates.

Get better soon.

UPDATE: Johnson was in critical but stable condition late Monday night after seven hours of surgery.  Reports indicate he suffered crushing injuries to his neck, and severe injuries to his larynx.  He will not play football this season, but doctors expect him to make a full recovery.  Good news indeed.