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News

Former USC Athlete Suing School Over Weightlifting Accident

By  Lindsay William-Ross
Published Jan 23, 2011 11:00 PM
Stafon Johnson (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
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Stafon Johnson was a senior at USC and a running back on the Trojan football team when a weightlifting accident in September 2009 brought his college career to a swift end, and now the former athlete is suing the school, according to ABC7.Johnson's larynx was crushed when the bar loaded with 275 pounds fell on his neck.

Current USC athletes say they are surprised to hear Johnson is suing the school, remarking that they are trained on how to properly use the equipment and understand the risks of use.

Johnson recovered from his injuries, and attempted a pro playing career. He "was picked up by the Tennessee Titans last April as a free agent," but wound up out of luck again due to "an unrelated ankle injury in the preseason."

His suit "seeks unspecified damages," and reportedly names his weightlifting spotter, as well, according to a live report on KTLA.

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