RB Johnson hurt in weight lifting accident
USC running back Stafon Johnson is undergoing surgery on his throat after a weightlifting accident Monday afternoon on USC's campus.
Johnson, USC's leading scorer with five touchdowns, was bleeding from the nose and coughing up blood after a weight bar slipped out of his right hand and fell on his throat while bench pressing, ESPN reported.
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"It was an unfortunate accident and Stafon is getting great care right now," Coach Pete Carroll said in a statement. "We don't have a lot of information at this point and we'll keep everyone updated, but our thoughts and prayers are with Stafon."
Johnson was rushed to a local hospital where he's undergoing surgery Monday afternoon. A source close to Johnson said the injury caused damage to his voice box.
USC strength and conditioning coach Chris Carlisle was near Johnson when the accident occurred, the USC statement said.
"I've seen players have the bar slip and fall onto their chest, but never in my 25 years of coaching have I heard of someone dropping a bar on their throat," Carlisle said. "We're fortunate he was being spotted."
In addition to the five touchdowns, Johnson has rushed for 157 yards on 32 carries.
USC travels to Berkeley, Calif. to take on No. 19 Cal Saturday at 5 p.m.
Check back with USCfootball.com for details as they develop.