South Florida LB Mompremier leaves game in ambulance

Sep 21, 2008 - 3:47 AM MIAMI (Ticker) -- South Florida senior linebacker Brouce Mompremier left Saturday's 17-9 victory against Florida International in the third quarter in an ambulance and was subsequently airlifted to the hospital after suffering an apparent head injury.

Mompremier collided with teammate Carlton Williams while attempting to break up a pass. Williams also limped off the field with an apparent left leg injury.

"I was going for the ball. He was going for the hit. His helmet hit my hip," Williams said. "I was devastated."

The specifics of Mompremier's injury are unknown but, according to the Tampa Tribune, the linebacker is in stable condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. The newspaper said he can move his arms and legs.

Citing a school official, the Tribune also said Mompremier will undergo tests on his neck and likely spend the night at the hospital after the ugly incident.

Motionless on the field, Mompremier was strapped to a stretcher and carted off the field. Both teams then came together at mid-field in prayer.

According to South Florida linebacker Kion Wilson, Mompremier was told to stay down for his own good.

"He's a fierce competitor," Wilson said. "I saw he didn't want to stay down, but as a safety precaution he was told to stay down."

A team captain and Miami native, Mompremier originally was thought to have a spinal cord injury.