Injured Alabama Player Declared Brain Dead

University of Alabama defensive tackle Willie Ryles, who suffered a blood clot in his brain earlier this week, is brain dead and will be taken off life-support systems, doctors said Saturday in Birmingham, Ala.

Doctors made the announcement after conducting a cerebral arteriogram, a radiologic procedure that determined there was no blood flow in Ryles’ brain, a spokesman for University Hospital said.

Ryles’ breathing and circulation were being maintained mechanically until usable organs could be removed for donation, Black said.

Dr. Carter Morris and Dr. Peggy Thomas signed the declaration of death with the concurrence of Dr. Keith Langford, Ryles’ attending physician, Black said.

Ryles, 19, a 6-4, 240-pound sophomore from Phenix City, Ala., collapsed at practice Monday and was in a coma when he arrived at the hospital.

Alabama Coach Ray Perkins said Ryles collapsed after receiving a “normal blow” to the head. Perkins said Ryles complained of headaches before the workout but was checked out and cleared for practice by team doctors.

Perkins suffered a similar injury while playing at Alabama in 1963. He lay near death for several days but eventually returned to the team with a steel plate in his head and was twice named an All-American wide receiver.