USC running back in critical but stable condition

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Stafon Johnson #13 of the USC Trojans celebrates his touchdown for a 7-0 lead over the Nortre Dame Fighting Irsh during the first quarter at the Coliseum on November 29, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.
Sept. 29, 2009 | KPCC Wire Services

USC running back Stafon Johnson was hospitalized in critical but stable condition today after over seven hours of surgery for injuries suffered while weightlifting. The specialized surgery was required because of a threatened airway and severe injuries to Johnson's larynx, according to Dr. Gordon Hinika, trauma medical center director at California Hospital Medical Center.

According to Hinika, it is unlikely Johnson will play again this season, but doctors expect a full recovery. "Stafon is doing very well," Hinika said. "He underwent very successful surgery, as we stated yesterday was over seven hours. He rested well. Actually, this morning, he's communicating with his mother and his USC team."

CA/Local News

Johnson was bench pressing with a spotter at a USC weight room around 11 a.m. Monday when the bar slipped out of his right hand and fell at an angle on his throat, according to a statement released by the university.

Hinika said doctors were weaning Johnson off a ventilator. He said the surgery was required to repair Johnson's airway, noting that the structure around the running back's vocal chords was "fractured and displaced."

"This is ... a very, very rare injury, especially from weightlifting," he said. "These are the type of injuries usually it (happened) in the old days when people did not wear a seat belt, and you get an accident and you're thrown through a windshield."

The bench press is commonly regarded as one of the safest exercises in the weight room, especially with a spotter, said strength and conditioning coach Chris Carlisle, who was within 10 feet of Johnson when the accident occurred.

Johnson, a 5 foot 11 inch, 210-pound senior, rushed for 157 yards on 32 carries and a team-high five touchdowns this year. He was USC's leading rusher in 2008 with 705 yards.

conrad carrington
4 months, 1 week ago

i am sorry to hear about what happen to stafon on monday and just wanted to let him know that me and my family are praying for him and hope he will be ok god bless

carmen portela
4 months, 1 week ago

That is an awful story! Such a common thing that is done everyday at the gym and spotters are usually there just for the end when it gets to hard to finish a final rep. It is a serious wake up call for spotters to watch a little more carefully. That could of truly killed him...So thankful and glad that he is on the road to recovery...Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Vols
4 months, 1 week ago

go Volunteers, SEC SEC

Sam
4 months, 1 week ago

man thats just terrible... hope he fully recovers.

FIGHT ON fan from 714
4 months, 1 week ago

hang in there man!! keep you in the prayers

Reginald Pharr
4 months, 1 week ago

I am sadden by this event but, I know that God will see you through. My prayers are with you/

Fischer
4 months, 1 week ago

Stafon,
We are Ohio State Buckeyes and we are praying for your complete recovery. We are so glad Lord miraculously preserved your life through this TERRIBLE accident - He must have something VERY special for you to do. We know you will find it and accomplish it! Get well fast and God bless you!

Corey Wilde
4 months, 1 week ago

This Buckeye is very glad to hear that Mr. Johnson will fully recover.

JoeJoe
4 months, 1 week ago

Relieved to hear Stafon is on the road to recovery. When I heard the news yesterday it sent a nasty chill down my spine. Can't wait to see you suited up next season. on a side note, Vols.... you are an idiot, this is not your place to be ignorant.

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