Three Cardinals Injured in Car Accident

A former first-round draft pick trying to resurrect his football career with the Arizona Cardinals was fighting to save his right arm after a car accident involving two teammates on their way to a team meeting at Flagstaff, Ariz., on Monday.

Ernest Dye, a 28-year-old tackle, was listed in fair condition at Flagstaff Medical Center, where doctors were attempting to repair a bone between the shoulder and elbow.

“He suffered a near-amputation of the arm,” said team physician Dr. Wayne Kuhl, who spoke with Dye’s surgeon, Dr. Tim Bonatus. “It’s a question of saving the arm.” Bonatus said Dye’s arm was crushed “leaving the viability of the arm in question.”

Cardinal guard Lester Holmes was driving Dye’s black Mercedes north on Interstate 17. The car was traveling 75 mph during a heavy rain when it veered into the median and rolled.

Defensive end Carl Simpson and Dye were ejected from the vehicle. Only Holmes was wearing a seat belt.

Holmes, 29, was listed in good condition with a cut on his forehead and Simpson was released after being checked for pain in his left hip.