Sports
I’m an NBA legend and one of tallest players ever who made $70m in career – I starred in Space Jam and now… – The US Sun
SHAWN Bradley's enormous 7-foot-6 frame was a huge part of his identity and success in the NBA.
The lanky center used his height to become the No. 2 pick of the 1993 NBA Draft and earn $70million over a 12-year career.
The former Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets and Dallas Mavericks star even appeared alongside Michael Jordan in the Hollywood movie Space Jam.
But in January 2021, Bradley was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life after being struck from behind by a car while riding his motorbike near his home in St. George, Utah.
The collision sent Bradley over the top of a parked car and headfirst onto the road, injuring his neck and paralyzing him.
He was hospitalized for eight weeks after undergoing neck fusion surgery and subsequent rehabilitation.
At the time, Bradley feared he may not survive the accident.
"I didn't know if that was going to be my last moment to be honest," he told The Tamron Hall Show.
"I didn't know if I was going to slowly pass away there on the pavement or I was going to gain function again, if I was going to be able to move and I desperately needed to talk to my wife, the love of my life.
"I just wanted to make sure I had some communication with her if those were my last moments."
When doctors told him he was paralyzed from the chest down, he was in deep "shock".
At 7-foot-6, Bradley is believed to have the largest spinal cord injury on record, which has proven a challenge for doctors.
He has needed custom beds and a bespoke wheelchair to fit his 350-pound frame.
Over the course of his life, Bradley's treatment is expected to cost $5million.
Fortunately, he has the means to pay for the costs having earned $70million during the course of his career.
He also has other business interests such as a ranch with 350 cattle.
Despite his life-altering accident, Bradley is determined to live each day to its fullest.
And the 51-year-old's Mormon faith is keeping him going during these difficult times.
"You can find triumph in tragedy," he said.
"It's important to realize that even though you go through hard things in life, you can be positive through them.
"And yes, they are going to be trying and they are going to be difficult, but they can also be for our good.
"They can refine us and make us who we are."
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