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Georgia's Mark Richt rallies support for injured Southern University player

By Alex Butler
University of Georgia football coach Mark Richt. UPI Photo/David Tulis
University of Georgia football coach Mark Richt. UPI Photo/David Tulis | License Photo

ATHENS, Ga., Sept. 30 (UPI) -- As head football coach of the University of Georgia, Mark Richt has a lot of influence.

Lately Richt has been using that pull to help Devon Gales. Gales broke his neck last Saturday against Georgia at Sanford Stadium.

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"Calling all Dawgs," Richt tweeted Monday. "If you would like to help Southern University Devon Gales and his family with medical expenses here's how we can do it."

"Let's show the country what we can do the bless Devon and his family!!," Richt tweeted.

Georgia flew Gales' parents to Georgia and escorted them to Athens Regional Medical Center where Gales underwent surgery, according to WSBTV. UGA students have been raising money for medical expenses and sending prayers and cards.

Gales was transferred to Atlanta's Shepherd Center.

Southern University athletics and its system foundation established the Devon Gales fund, according to WSBTV.

Ray Belton, Southern University's president and chancellor, sent an open letter Wednesday to the Bulldogs.

"From the moment of the accident, UGA and SU sports medicine staff worked side by side to tend to the injured SU player until he was taken off the field and transported to Athens Regional Medical Center," Belton wrote in the letter. "UGA athletics director Greg McGarity immediately coordinated plans with SU athletic director Roman Banks for Devon's care and support that included covering expenses to fly the student-athlete's parents to Athens, Georgia, to be by his bedside."

"The UGA community has joined the Jaguar Nation in an extraordinary outpouring of prayers, love, and support for Devon and his family," Belton wrote. "While Devon's road to full recovery may be long, we are grateful for the prayers and excellent medical care and treatment that resulted in his successful surgery and improvement thus far."

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"The extent to which the UGA officials and community have embraced our student-athlete is remarkable and it speaks volumes to their character and kindness."

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