Another NFL Player Loses Fingers in Fireworks Accident

08 Jul, 2015

Buccaneers cornerback C.J. Wilson suffered a severe hand injury in a fireworks accident during the Fourth of July weekend.

Bucs officials said Wednesday they are aware of the situation but did not comment beyond expressing concern for Wilson’s health.

“It is our understanding that the injury occurred to one of his hands and our primary concern at this moment is for his long-term health,’’ the team said in a statement. “We have been in contact with C.J. and are continuing to monitor the situation.”

The Lincoln Times-News in Wilson’s hometown of Lincolnton, North Carolina, reported that Wilson lost two fingers in the incident. The newspaper cited sources close to the family who said the incident occurred at Wilson’s home in Lincolnton, where family members and friends were present.

The injury forced Wilson to remain hospitalized for several days, but Wilson’s high school football coach said he believed Wilson would be released on Wednesday.

“I talked to him on Monday and he has a very positive spirit,’’ said Scott Cloninger, the former coach at Lincolnton High. “His comment was, he’s going to fight through this and get back to Tampa Bay and continue his career.’’

A third-year pro out North Carolina State who first came to the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Bears, Wilson, 25, is slated to begin his second season with the Bucs when training camp opens this month.

After signing a two-year, $1.08 million deal, Wilson appeared in two games for Tampa Bay last year, playing mostly on special teams and recording four tackles.

Neither the Bucs nor Wilson’s agent would provide details regarding the accident or the length of time Wilson might need to recover.

Tampa Tribune 

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