MIAMI – Former LSU receiver Demetrius Byrd was in critical but stable condition Monday after a car accident in Miami, and his agent said the NFL prospect was expected to fully recover.
Byrd had scrapes and bruises but was being held in intensive care for observation, said his junior college coach, Tim Hatten of Pearl River Community College in Mississippi.
Hatten had talked with Byrd’s mom, who said her son was alert and talking at the hospital.
Agent David Dunn said in a statement that initial reports indicated Byrd will be OK. The statement did not give Byrd’s injuries or any details about the crash Sunday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Demetrius, and with his mother Sharon and the entire Byrd family,” Dunn said.
Last season, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound receiver had 37 catches for 513 yards and four TDs. He also played a key role in the Tigers’ BCS National Championship during the previous season.
LSU officials said that Byrd’s car hit a utility pole after a tire blew out. No other cars were involved.
“This tragic accident puts in perspective just how fragile life can be,” said LSU head coach Les Miles. “Demetrius is an outstanding young man with a bright future ahead of him. He was a joy to coach and he brought a great smile and a wonderful attitude to our football team. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as we hope for a speedy recovery.”
Lawal declares for draft
ATLANTA – Georgia Tech sophomore Gani Lawal will make himself available for the NBA draft but is protecting his option of continuing his college career.
Lawal said Monday he will enter his name in the NBA draft. The 6-foot-9 forward said he will not hire an agent. He has until June 15 to remove his name from the draft and protect his eligibility at Georgia Tech.
Lawal said his plan is to “go through the interview and workout process and see where I might fit in.”
Lawal scored 15.1 points per game and led the Yellow Jackets with 9.5 rebounds per game, the second-highest average in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Eagles won’t trade Brown
PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles have no intention of trading disgruntled cornerback Sheldon Brown, who says he wants out after the team refused to renegotiate his contract. Brown is scheduled to make $2 million this season, the first of four remaining on the extension he signed in 2004. The deal included a $7.5 million signing bonus.
Brown told ESPN.com Monday he has asked to be traded. Later in the day, the Eagles responded with a statement.
The team called Brown’s decision to go public with his situation “unfortunate and counterproductive,” and explained how the extension he signed in 2004 “removed any concerns about health or performance that all other players in his draft class had to worry about.”
Corning Classic to end
CORNING, N.Y. – The LPGA Corning Classic, the longest-running event on the ladies tour with the same title sponsor and played at the same venue since its inception in 1979, will end in May.
Tournament president Jack Benjamin made the announcement Monday, a day after the board of directors came to the painful conclusion after discussing it for six months.