Georgia Bulldogs star Richard LeCounte, 22, is 'lucky to be alive' after his motorbike was hit by two cars hours after his team won in Kentucky
Georgia Bulldogs star Richard LeCounte is 'lucky to be alive' after his motorbike was hit by two cars hours hours after his team won in Kentucky Saturday.
LeCounte, 22, one of the team's top defensive players, was taken to the trauma center at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center.
He was still being treated Sunday, according to Ron Courson, the school's director of sports medicine.
LeCounte's mother, Erika Blocker-LeCounte, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 'He´s lucky to be alive. He was wearing his helmet and saved his life.'
The safety sustained a shoulder injury, bruised ribs and several cuts and scrapes. He did not have any broken bones and no surgery will be required.
'God spared him his life, we can´t ask for more,' his mother said. 'Glory to God.'
Georgia Bulldogs star Richard LeCounte, pictured, is 'lucky to be alive' after his motorbike was hit by two cars hours hours after his team won in Kentucky Saturday
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department said LeCounte's dirt bike hit a vehicle making a left turn.
That pushed LeCounte's Yamaha into oncoming traffic and he was hit again. An investigation has been launched into the crash.
Courson did not say how long LeCounte might be out of action for No. 5 Georgia (4-1). The Bulldogs have a huge game next weekend, facing No. 8 Florida (3-1) in the annual 'Cocktail Party' clash in Jacksonville.
'His injuries are not life-threatening and a full recovery is expected,' Courson said in a statement.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department said LeCounte's dirt bike hit a vehicle making a left turn on 500 block of Macon Highway. That pushed LeCounte's Yamaha into oncoming traffic and he was hit again. An investigation has been launched into the crash
He added: 'We would like to thank the emergency medical technicians, physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel who helped care for Richard.
'Richard’s family would also like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and well-wishes during this time.'
The incident came just hours after the Bulldogs had flown home from their 14-3 victory over Kentucky.
LeCounte had a career-high 13 tackles and a fumble recovery in the game. For the season, he leads the team with three interceptions.
Georgia defensive back Richard LeCounte (2) tackles Kentucky quarterback Joey Gatewood (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday in Lexington, Kentucky
If LeCounte is out for an extended period, the Bulldogs will likely go with junior Christopher Smith at the safety spot.
After Saturday's game, LeCounte talked about how the defense was going to have to press on in the wake of injuries to several key players, including fellow safety Lewis Cine, who sustained an ankle injury.
'Sorry to say it, but it really is the next man up in this profession,' LeCounte said.
'A couple of guys got dinged up and we´re ready to come back next week and fix what we need to fix. We have a lot of guys waiting to get the chance to show what they are able to do, and I´m excited for those guys.'