Out of a tragedy, something good has emerged.
Southern wide receiver Devon Gales suffered a spinal injury during the Jaguars' visit to Georgia on Saturday. He was taken to an Athens hospital (and has since been moved to an Atlanta rehabilitation center).
The Georgia athletics department, led by AD Greg McGarity and head coach Mark Richt, have gone above and beyond to do everything to help Gales, his family and the Southern athletics department since his unfortunate injury. Georgia paid to fly his parents in from Louisiana, then picked them up at the airport. Richt and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer visited Gales in the hospital last Sunday. He's since encouraged Georgia fans to get involved as well.
That support hasn't gone unnoticed.
Southern president Ray Belton sent a letter to McGarity, Richt and Georgia officials thanking them for going beyond their obligated duty to help Gales. Here's hoping this continues through what we all wish to be a full recovery.
Here is the letter in full:
An open letter to University of Georgia Athletic Director Greg McGarity, Head
Coach Mark Richt, UGA officials, and the entire UGA community
A history-making Southern University Jaguar football game on the road against nationally ranked University of Georgia Bulldogs in Athens, Georgia, Saturday, September 26, 2015, has exemplified the true nature of sportsmanship, caring, and generosity.
During the third quarter of play in the Jaguars' first match up against a Southeastern Conference team, SU wide receiver Devon Gales suffered a spinal injury. Devon underwent successful spinal surgery Sunday afternoon at Athens Regional Medical Center and is in good spirits.
From the moment of the accident, UGA and SU sports medicine staff worked side by side to tend to the injured SU player until he was taken off the field and transported to Athens Regional Medical Center. UGA Athletic Director Greg McGarity immediately coordinated plans with SU Athletic Director Roman Banks for Devon's care and support that included covering expenses to fly the student-athlete's parents to Athens, Georgia, to be by his bedside.
At the medical center following the game, SU Head Coach Dawson Odums and members of the Jaguar Football team gathered with UGA Head Coach Mark Richt, other members of the UGA coaching staff, and team chaplains, to visit Devon. The UGA community has joined the Jaguar Nation in an extraordinary outpouring of prayers, love, and support for Devon and his family.
While Devon's road to full recovery may be long, we are grateful for the prayers and excellent medical care and treatment that resulted in his successful surgery and improvement thus far. The extent to which the UGA officials and community have embraced our student-athlete is remarkable and it speaks volumes to their character and kindness.
I must also commend the UGA community for its hospitality shown to our athletic staff, team, and fans in and around Sanford Stadium. From excellent accommodations, to a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, we were pleased. On behalf of the Southern University System and the Southern University Department of Athletics, I extend a huge thank you to UGA officials, students, and alumni, the UGA community, and the Athens Regional Medical Center, for their care and support of Devon.
Best wishes,
Ray Belton
President-Chancellor, Southern University
(HT SDS)