Former NBA Star Shawn Bradley Paralyzed After Being Hit By Car

Former Dallas Mavericks player Shawn Bradley's bicycle accident in January has left him paralyzed, his former team announced Wednesday.

The ex-NBA star, 48, was hit from behind by a car while riding his bike near his home in St. George, Utah, on Jan. 20, according to the statement the Mavericks released on his behalf. The former center — who stands 7 feet, 6 inches tall — suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury and had to undergo neck fusion surgery.

"The accident caused a traumatic spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. After undergoing neck fusion surgery, Bradley has spent the last eight weeks hospitalized and undergoing rehabilitation," the statement posted on Twitter read.

Bradley is undergoing grueling physical therapy and learning "how to cope with the challenges of paraplegia," the Mavericks said.

"Doctors have advised him that his road to recovery will be both long and arduous, perhaps an even more difficult physical challenge than playing professional basketball," the lengthy note continued.

However, Bradley reportedly remains "in good spirits" as he has his wife, Carrie, by his side during this time and has been receiving support from "an amazing team of rehabilitation specialists and family." The former NBA player also "plans to use his accident as a platform to bring greater public awareness to the importance of bicycle safety."

Bradley also thanked everyone who sent their well-wishes and prayed for him and said their support "energized his recovery and bolstered his confidence" that he can manage the long journey to his complete recovery. However, he made it clear that he does not plan to issue any more public updates.

"We are saddened to hear of Shawn's accident," Marc Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, wrote. "Shawn has always been incredibly determined and shown a fighting spirit. We wish him nothing but the best in his recovery. He will always be a part of our Mavs family."

Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson also said they were saddened to hear about Bradley's injury. He sent his prayers to Bradley and his family and praised the athlete.

"Shawn demonstrated all of the qualities you want in a person representing your organization," Nelson said. "He has always exhibited unwavering grit and determination and we are thinking of him at this difficult time. He is a Maverick for life."

Bradley was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the no. 2 pick in the 1993 NBA Draft. He played with the Nets as well but spent the final eight years of his career in Dallas.

Bradley retired in 2005 and became a counselor at a private school for at-risk youth in West Jordan, Utah, per CBS Sports.