Leflore Linebacker Criticial After Suffering Hard Hit

A Leflore High School football player is in critical condition after a hard hit during Friday night's game.

Tim Robinson, 18, is in intensive care at Mobile Infirmary. The Leflore linebacker was initially diagnosed with a concussion, but his injuries appear to be more serious.

"We're just on a wait and see moment," said Leflore coach, Chris Raymond. "I'm just praying that he comes through this healthy and has no side effects."

As of late Monday afternoon, Robinson was still in a coma, but his family says they are seeing signs of improvement. Robinson's mom, Evelyn McGhee, says she's noticed her son moving his hands and trying to open his eyes. "He's trying so hard to come back, so we're just expecting great things within the next few days," said McGhee.

Raymond insists the tackle that resulted in Robinson's injury appeared to be a clean hit. "The head wasn't down. The neck wasn't down. It looked like a regular, clean, ordinary tackle," said Raymond, who rushed onto the field when the teen linebacker didn't get up.

"When we first got there he was responding, and he was complaining of a bad headache," said Raymond. "Then, all of the sudden he took a big gasp for air, and he lost consciousness."

Typically at Leflore's games, which are played at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, there are EMTs and Athletic Trainers, but at Friday's game the opposing team, Spanish Fort, brought along a team doctor, who immediately knew Robinson's injuries were serious.

Robinson was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure from bleeding on his brain. McGhee says doctors have not yet said how much damage Robinson suffered, but the family is leaning on their faith and praying for their son's recovery.