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

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Posted by:  Kane Reed Sports Writer

Follow us on TWITTER

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.

High School football player dies of hit

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

USC Best Running Backs in NCAA History Stafon Johnson

Did Urban Meyer make the right call leaving TimTebow in?

“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

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Posted by:  Kane Reed (sports writer)

Stafon Johnson is in critical but stable condition following weightlifting accident (more)

ARCHIVE: July 2009 The Sports Union

USC has featured some of the best running backs in NCAA history, earning its nickname “Tailback U.”  From Mike Garrett to Reggie Bush, Trojan running backs have dominated on the gridiron and have the Heisman trophies to prove it.  The heir apparent is senior Stafon Johnson.

USC Running Back Stafon Johnson Drops Weight Bar on Throat

Originally from Compton, Johnson was the second-ranked running back coming out of high school according to Scouts.com.  Florida, Miami (FL), UCLA, Georgia and Washington actively recruited him before he decided to join two-time national championship coach Pete Carroll and the USC Trojans.  More

USC’s Johnson likely out for season after accident

“I made the right decision to come to USC and play for Coach,” Johnson said.

Despite lofty expectations, Johnson failed to make the initial impact that many predicted.  Playing behind veteran backs Chauncey Washington and Emmanuel Moody, Johnson only had three carries on the season and was inactive for most games.

USC Trojans College Football Team Home Page

For the first time in his career, Johnson was relegated to the bench.  Other players may have transferred to a school that would give them playing time, but Johnson decided to remain at USC.

“It was tough to be on the bench, it was the first time in my life that I wasn’t playing,” Johnson said. “But I knew that if I worked hard and kept at it, good things would happen.  I never got down and although it was tough, it made me a better player and person.”

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

RELATED ARTICLES:

Oregon coach Chip Kelly Not Throwing Out LeGarrette Blount

Saturday, September 5th, 2009

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

MORE College Sports Headlines

• USC RB Johnson has crushed neck, larynx

• Stoops still uncertain on Bradford

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

Trojans win, but woes rest with struggling

Did Urban Meyer make the right call leaving TimTebow in?

“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

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

RELATED BBP COLLEGE SPORTS ARTICLES:

Unanimous Florida Ranked No.1

_______________________________________________________________

MORE College Sports Headlines