Medrick Burnett Jr ‘Remains Alive’, Alabama A&M Clarifies ‘Dead’ Report

Alabama A&M Bulldog’s Medrick Burnett Jr., who the university said had died on Tuesday after on-field injuries, ‘remains alive,’ the university said in a fresh statement on Wednesday. Sports Information Director Brian Howard had released a statement earlier saying that the freshman linebacker died after sustaining injuries in a game earlier in the season. However, on Wednesday, Bryant retracted the initial statement calling the ‘death’ notice an ‘unfortunate occurrence’.

“We retract the news of the passing of Medrick Burnett Jr, that was originally advised by an immediate family member on Tuesday evening,” Howard said in a statement. “Our staff acted accordingly to the wishes of the family member to inform the A&M community and beyond of this unfortunate occurrence.”

On Tuesday, Bryant had released a statement announcing Burnett Jr’s supposed death.

The statement read: “Today, our Bulldog family is heartbroken by the loss of Medrick Burnett Jr. Medrick was more than an exceptional athlete; he was a remarkable young man whose positive energy, leadership, and compassion left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

“While words cannot adequately express our grief, we are humbled by the strength of his family, who stood by his side throughout this unimaginable ordeal.”

Medrick Burnett Jr., 20, sustained a head injury during the annual Magic City Classic against in-state rivals Alabama State University on October 26. He has been receiving treatment at a hospital. He condition deteriorated after he was treated for “several brain bleeds and swelling of the brain,” the Associated Press reported citing a GoFundMe launched by Burnett Jr’s sister, Dominece James.

Burnett, from Lakewood, California, transferred to Alabama A&M in 2024 after playing for Grambling State. He appeared in seven games, recording a season-high three tackles against Austin Peay State.