USC running back Stafon Johnson has throat surgery after he’s hurt in weightlifting accident

Johnson has throat surgery after weight accident

LOS ANGELES — Southern California running back Stafon Johnson has undergone emergency throat surgery after a weightlifting accident.

The senior who scored the No. 7 Trojans’ go-ahead touchdown against Ohio State two weeks ago was bench-pressing when the bar slipped from his right hand and fell onto his throat, USC’s Web site said.

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

The school said Johnson was being spotted by an assistant strength and conditioning coach at the time of the accident.

“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,” Trojans strength and conditioning coach Chris Carlisle said.

On the Web: www.usctrojans.com/blog/