George Hopes to Leave Hospital Today

Bron George, a Woodbridge High School football player who injured his neck Friday night in a game, was on his feet again Monday and hopes to leave the Mission Regional Hospital today.

George, 17, was told by his doctor Saturday that tests showed he had a congenital narrowing of the spinal cord, a condition that makes it unsafe for him to continue playing football.

George, a junior inside linebacker, said his neck was snapped back as he made a tackle Friday in the fourth quarter of Woodbridge’s game against Trabuco Hills. When he regained consciousness on the field--about 30 seconds later, he believes--he couldn’t move his arms. George said he remembers pain in the back of his neck before his final tackle and thinks he may have hurt it sometime during the first half.

George, who will wear a neck brace for the next two weeks and use a wheelchair for the next few days, said he was disappointed that he won’t be able to play football anymore, but hopes to be able to help the coaches.

He also wants to remain active in pursuits such as skiing and baseball. A utility player for the Woodbridge junior varsity baseball team last year, George said he hopes to join the baseball team’s conditioning program after he recuperates.

“I’m just thinking about the good things and how lucky I am,” he said. “That’s how I’ll always think--at least I’m walking.”

Times staff writer Barbie Ludovise contributed to this story.