Neck injury forces New Mexico's Devon Williams into retirement
Devon Williams' basketball career is over after doctors advised him that getting back on the court could ultimately result in paralysis.
New Mexico head coach Craig Neal made the announcement Wednesday, three days after Williams collapsed on the court with a severe neck injury against New Mexico State.
Following the diagnosis, Neal told ESPN's Andy Katz that Williams' basketball career is over.
"He has a narrowing of his spinal column,'' Neal said in a text message to ESPN. "He saw a specialist and he advised him not to play. There was a fear of him being paralyzed. He said he was very lucky that it didn't happen against New Mexico State."
After laying face down on the ground for nearly 10 minutes, the redshirt junior was stretchered off the court after collapsing on the court, and was diagnosed with a cervical spinal cord contusion.
"He is fine. He is walking with no problems," Neal added. "He will live a great life and he can finish his degree and get a graduate degree.''
Williams played 14 minutes in each of the first two games of the season for New Mexico. He averaged 6.7 points in 22.6 minutes per game last season.