Knee Injury Results in Amputation

Doctors have amputated the lower portion of defensive end Jamie McPherson’s right leg because of complications from a knee injury in Southern Mississippi’s game last month against Samford.

McPherson, a fifth-year senior from Grand Saline, Tex., had surgery Monday and was reported in stable condition Tuesday in the intensive care unit of a Hattiesburg, Miss., hospital.

“He had numerous surgeries Thursday through Saturday,” Coach Jeff Bauer said. “He has had some clotting problems. They have done everything they possibly could do to help save his leg. It was to the point where they had to make a decision and go do that.”

McPherson hyperextended his knee and severed a large artery when teammate Tim Bell’s shoulder hit his leg as the two attempted a tackle.