by Malcolm Butler
Louisiana Tech sophomore safety Michael Richard was released from LSU Shreveport this afternoon, less than 24 hours after being airlifted following a scary on-the-field incident in the Bulldogs 48-21 win over Middle Tennessee.
Tech Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey released this statement on Richard around 2:30 p.m. today.
“As many of you know, during last night’s football game against Middle Tennessee, Michael Richard was involved in a football play that resulted in him being airlifted to Shreveport with a potential severe spinal injury,” read Ivey’s statement. “When he arrived, he was alert and responsive with movement in his extremities. He was held overnight for observation and further testing. We are happy to report that Mike was released earlier and is expected to make a full recovery. We are so very thankful for the quick response and effort of our entire medical team. Please continue to keep Mike in your thoughts and prayers as he continues to recover.”
The incident occurred with 13:56 to play in the third quarter on a tackle of MT running back Jaiden Credle following a one-yard reception. Richard got up, staggered and tried to make it to the Tech sideline with assistance from teammates.
However, the New Orleans native fell to the turf around the numbers close to the Tech sideline and was immediately surrounded by trainers and medical professionals.
It took approximately 20 minutes for medical personnel, including EMS personnel from Pafford EMS, to get Richard’s helmet, shoulder pads and jersey off. They carefully placed a neck brace on him and eventually loaded him onto a backboard and then onto the stretcher where the wheeled him to the Pafford ambulance waiting in the north endzone of Joe Aillet Stadium.
He was then taken to the helicopter and airlifted to Shreveport.
