USC running back Stafon Johnson is having throat surgery Monday after a weightlifting accident on campus.
The senior was bench-pressing with a spotter when the bar fell out of his right hand and landed on his throat, according to a report on USC's Web site.
"It was an unfortunate accident and Stafon is getting great care right now," coach Pete Carroll said in a statement. "We don't have a lot of information at this point and we'll keep everyone updated, but our thoughts and prayers are with Stafon."
The Trojans' head strength and conditioning coach Chris Carlisle said that the bench press is one of the safest exercises in the weight room.
"I've seen players have the bar slip and fall onto their chest, but never in my 25 years of coaching have I heard of someone dropping a bar on their throat," said Carlisle, who according to the Web site was within 10 feet of the accident. "We're fortunate he was being spotted."
It isn't known how long Johnson, 21, will be out, but his absence is a serious blow to the No. 7 Trojans who rely heavily on their ground game.
He's USC's second leading rusher and has the most touchdowns on the team with five.
The senior was bench-pressing with a spotter when the bar fell out of his right hand and landed on his throat, according to a report on USC's Web site.
"It was an unfortunate accident and Stafon is getting great care right now," coach Pete Carroll said in a statement. "We don't have a lot of information at this point and we'll keep everyone updated, but our thoughts and prayers are with Stafon."
The Trojans' head strength and conditioning coach Chris Carlisle said that the bench press is one of the safest exercises in the weight room.
"I've seen players have the bar slip and fall onto their chest, but never in my 25 years of coaching have I heard of someone dropping a bar on their throat," said Carlisle, who according to the Web site was within 10 feet of the accident. "We're fortunate he was being spotted."
It isn't known how long Johnson, 21, will be out, but his absence is a serious blow to the No. 7 Trojans who rely heavily on their ground game.
He's USC's second leading rusher and has the most touchdowns on the team with five.
