Player at New Mexico Is Partially Paralyzed

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A University of New Mexico football player was partially paralyzed Thursday when he was injured during practice, but the extent of the paralysis and whether it is permanent was not known, a University Hospital spokeswoman said.

Senior Alex Bolden of San Diego suffered a pressure cervical spine injury, the spokeswoman said.

“He is stable and alert and expected to remain in that condition,” she said. “He has some sensation in his extremities, but the doctors are not going to further clarify that at this time.”

Bolden, a 6-foot 2-inch, 192-pound free safety listed third on the Lobos’ depth chart, was injured about 3:30 p.m. as he carried the ball while the secondary practiced tackling during a one-on-one drill supervised by defensive coordinator Jack Stanton.