TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

USF's Mompremier Released From Hospital

ADVERTISEMENT

By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 21, 2008

MIAMI - University of South Florida senior linebacker Brouce Mompremier, who was injured during Saturday's game at Florida International and was airlifted to Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital, will be released from the hospital today after clearing all of his initial tests Saturday night.

Mompremier was momentarily knocked unconscious with what on-field medical personnel initially feared as a spinal injury in the third quarter of USF's 17-9 win at FIU. However, doctors at Memorial Hospital ruled out any severe spinal injuries, USF assistant AD Chris Freet said Sunday morning.

Mompremier was injured while attempting to make a tackle and his helmet collided into teammate Carlton Williams' hip. Mompremier will return to Tampa late tonight. He will meet with USF's doctors in the next few days to determine his specific injuries and a timetable for recovery.

Mompremier, who has started 16 of his last 17 games for USF, is expected to miss at least USF's next two games – at N.C. State Saturday and against Pittsburgh, Oct. 2. Beyond that, it's unknown when - or if - Mompremier would be able to return.

"He hit me right here in my hip," Williams said. "The collision is what really did it to him. It was very scary."

After colliding with Williams in the third quarter against FIU, Mompremier remained on the turf for about 20 minutes before being taken off the field on a stretcher and rushed to the emergency room at Jackson Memorial. He was listed in stable condition after the game and had all movement of his extremities. He remained at Jackson Memorial Saturday night to undergo a CT scan and MRI on his neck.

A native of Miami who played at Edison High, Mompremier was one of USF's four senior captains for the FIU game.

"He was our leader, no doubt," USF defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said. "He means so much to the players. When something like this happens, it makes you question whether or not this is worth it. That was a young man out there. You just hope that God takes care of him."

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT