Ever since the news broke out about Stafon Johnson’s weightlifting accident, in which a bar dropped onto his neck, his fans have all been sending their well wishes.

9/29/09-Pete Carroll who just announced it on the Pac-10 conference call. “Stafon Johnson is communicating non-verbally,” and, “has been removed from some equipment,” according to Carroll.

And now, it appears that Johnson has opened a Twitter account, just to thank his fans.

Johnson was rushed to hospital on Monday, after he dropped a bar on his throat and started to cough up blood. Reports from foxsports.com, say that Johnson is still recovering from the re-constructive surgery, which took seven hours. But the USC tailback is said to be resting now, oh and Tweeting of course.  Read more here

USC Running Back Injury Stafon Johnson Drops Weight Bar on Throat

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Posted by:  Kane Reed Sports Writer

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USC Running Back Injury Stafon Johnson Drops Weight Bar on Throat

USC tailback Stafon Johnson is doing well and his athletic fitness helped him pull through a serious weightlifting accident that required more than seven hours of throat surgery, a trauma expert said today on Monday.

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Dr. Gudata Hinika, trauma director at California Hospital Medical Center, said during a news conference that Johnson was communicating nonverbally with family, friends and teammates while being weaned from a ventilator.

“His spirit is very good,” Hinika said.

Johnson was injured Monday when a bar fell on his neck during a weightlifting session at USC.

Hinika said Johnson underwent an emergency tracheotomy when he arrived at the hospital by ambulance. Surgeons then began reconstructive procedures.

University Of Southern California Official Athletic Site

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“Had that been any one of us, meaning me, I would not have survived,” Hinika said. “His neck was so solid and so muscular, that actually helped maintain his airway.

“And the discipline one learns from being athletic also really helped him to calm down and just do what he needed to do. He took instruction very well. All those in combination … contributed to his outcome.”

Hinika said it was rare injury, especially for weightlifting.  Read full story here

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Posted by:  Kane Reed (sports writer)

Stafon Johnson in Critical but stable condition following throat surgery!

Southern California tailback Stafon Johnson had emergency throat surgery Monday after a weightlifting accident.

The senior who scored the No. 7 Trojans’ go-ahead touchdown against Ohio State two weeks ago

University of Southern California Official Athletic Site

was bench-pressing when the bar slipped from his right hand and fell onto his throat.

He required emergency surgery and is unlikely to play against California on Saturday.

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“It was an unfortunate accident, and Stafon is getting great care right now,” coach Pete Carroll said in a statement. “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.”

Johnson is the Trojans’ second-leading rusher with 157 yards, and he leads USC (3-1, 1-1 Pac-10) with five touchdowns. He led USC in rushing last season with 705 yards and nine touchdowns, but has evolved into the Trojans’ short-yardage specialist this season behind starter Joe McKnight.

Here’s more from ESPN.com’s Ted Miller:

Head strength and conditioning coach Chris Carlisle said Johnson was using a spotter when the accident occurred.

“I’ve seen players have the bar slip and fall onto their chest, but never in my 25 years of coaching have I heard of someone dropping a bar on their throat,” Carlisle said. “We’re fortunate he was being spotted.”  Read more here

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