California community college football player critically hurt after helmet-to-helmet hit

Calif. football player critically hurt after hit

SAN PABLO, Calif. — The family of a Northern California community college football player critically injured in a helmet-to-helmet hit during a game says he is expected to survive but could be paralyzed.

Shawntae Semien says her brother — Contra Costa College freshman Wali Wright — had surgery Monday to have a breathing tube inserted and pins placed in his spine, which broke in several places.

She says Wright has no feeling in his arms or legs but doctors found only swelling and bruising in his spinal cord and the circumstances could change.

Wright, a defensive back, was hurt when he collided with a running back from Los Medranos College shortly after the beginning of Saturday’s game.