Tulsa teen suffers severe spinal injury playing football for Missouri college

ST. CHARLES, Mo. - A college football player in Missouri remained in serious condition Tuesday with a severe spinal cord injury sustained during a game Saturday.

Lindenwood freshman cornerback Sterling Thomas, who played at Union High School, was injured during a play in his team’s 45-30 home win over Missouri Southern.

Now, his teammates at Lindenwood, in suburban St. Louis, are rallying around him – raising money for his family to pay for medical expenses and dedicating the last two games of the season to the freshman from Tulsa.

“We are going to be there to assist the family in every way possible,” Lindenwood head football coach Patrick Ross said. “Sterling has a ton of strength and mental toughness. He and his family have a long road ahead of them, but they won’t be alone. The team, students, staff, and administration at Lindenwood University will be with them every step of the way.”

The team will soon begin selling bracelets that say “S.T. #27 – LU Soldier” to assist with the family’s expenses.

“He is our little brother,” said senior defensive lineman Malach Radigan, who led his teammates in prayer Saturday as Thomas lay motionless on the field. “From here on out, you’ll see 108 football players selling out every play for our little brother and LU Soldier, Sterling Thomas.”

Thomas' parents say he is progressing well with his recovery.

Anyone interested in making a contribution to the Sterling Thomas fund at Lindenwood University should call Jane Baum at 636-949-4427 or email her at jbaum@lindenwood.edu.