Marc Buoniconti, former Citadel linebacker, was paralyzed...

Marc Buoniconti, former Citadel linebacker, was paralyzed by an injury he suffered during an “illegal” tackle, not by a previous injury, according to the school’s team doctor.

“The spinal injury of (Buoniconti) was in no way related to any injury or congenital abnormality of the spine which were existing prior to the accident,” Dr. E.K. Wallace Jr. said.

Instead, it was caused when, “using his head in an illegal spearing manner with his head flexed, (Buoniconti) hit the opposing player in his back as he was twisting and falling to the ground,” Wallace said. “He was advised repeatedly to avoid using his head to make tackles and not to engage in illegal spearing.”

Buoniconti is the son of Nick Buoniconti, former All-Pro linebacker with the Miami Dolphins. The 19-year-old quadriplegic is seeking unspecified damages.