A GoFundMe page has been launched by Tennessee State University to raise $250,000 for the family of critically injured linebacker Christion Abercrombie after two similar pages were shut down at the school’s request because they raised the prospect of an NCAA violation.
The sophomore linebacker suffered a severe head injury during a routine play during Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt and has since undergone emergency surgery. He is reportedly covered by the school’s and the NCAA’s insurance plans, but it’s unclear what other costs Abercrombie’s family may incur as a result of his injury.
As of Tuesday morning, nearly $14,000 had been raised to ‘help support Christion and his family during this time,’ according to the GoFundMe page, which had been set up by the school.
The NCAA did not contact Tennessee State to ask that the other GoFundMe pages be closed, TSU associate athletic director for compliance & academics Jennifer Bell told the Daily Mail. Rather, the school itself has been in constant communication with both the NCAA and the Ohio Valley Conference to ensure compliance.
Tennessee State linebacker Christion Abercrombie (pictured left when he played at Illinois) collapsed on the sideline against Vanderbilt (right). He had emergency surgery but remains in critical condition, according to TSU coach, Rod Reed
A GoFundMe page has been launched to raise $250,000 for the family of critically injured Tennessee State football player Christion Abercrombie after two similar pages were shut down at the school’s request because they raised the prospect of an NCAA violation
Two different crowdfunding pages had been shut down: one by the sister of TSU coach Rod Reed, Fachon, and another by Nashville’s Jake Wadell, according to the Tennessean.
Because the NCAA forbids its student athletes and their families from receiving goods or services based on the status of the athlete, those sites represented a potential violation.
According to the Tennessean, the NCAA told TSU officials that the school can run and operate a crowdfunding page, but any outside attempts to raise money for Abercrombie could put his eligibility in jeopardy.
As of Monday, there had been no change in Abercrombie’s condition, according to Reed.
Staci Abercrombie, Christion’s mother, released a statement through the school that said her son is fighting and the family is ‘trusting God,’ while asking everyone to ‘please continue to pray.’
After the game ended, players from both teams (pictured) joined Tigers coach Rod Reed and Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason for a prayer for Abercrombie, his family and the Tigers
Reed (right) headed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to check on the linebacker after the game. Reed is seen with Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason (left)
A review of game footage by Tennessee State coaches shows Abercrombie suffered a head injury in a routine play against Vanderbilt.
The Tennessean reports Abercrombie made his way to the sideline Saturday night after the play, complained about a headache and collapsed.
Abercrombie is a native of Atlanta, north of Pike County, Georgia, where high school football player Dylan Thomas died Sunday after suffering a severe brain injury on Friday night.
Like Abercrombie, Thomas did not initially appear to be severely injured, and even returned to play before going back to the sideline, where he later collapsed.
Thomas underwent surgery to reduce brain swelling, but ultimately fell into a coma and passed away.
A fundraiser for medical costs and lost income started by Burgess had raised about $24,600 by Monday morning.
Tennessee State coach Rod Reed, front left, speaks to Tennessee State and Vanderbilt players about the status of Tennessee State linebacker Christion Abercrombie after an NCAA college football game Saturday, September 29, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Abercrombie collapsed on the sideline late in the first half and was in critical condition after emergency surgery for a head injury. Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason listens at right