Hawks forward Chandler Parsons has retained an attorney following an automobile accident last week that left him with several injuries.
The law firm, in an email to several media outlets including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, on Monday claimed that Parsons suffered “severe and permanent injuries including a traumatic brain injury, disc herniation and torn labrum.”
In announcing the accident and injuries, the Hawks listed Parsons as out with a concussion and whiplash. He was placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol. There was no timetable given for Parsons’ return. On Monday, the Hawks, updated the injury report to include associated disc injury following the law firm email. The team declined further comment other than the updated injury report.
Parson was driving following a practice on Jan. 15 when he was involved in a three-car accident in Brookhaven.
According to the police report obtained by the AJC, the alcohol-related crash was observed by a police officer when an at-fault driver made a left turn into traffic. The driver was knocked unconscious but later admitted to drinking, according to the report. There was also a 7-Up bottle with alcohol on the driver’s seats and the heavy odor of alcohol in the car and on the driver, according to the report. The officer obtained a search warrant for blood. The driver was cited for failure to yield while turning left and DUI less safe. Parsons and another driver involved were found to not be at fault.
The law firm claims the injuries suffered by Parsons are potentially career ending.
According to the police report, Parsons advised of injuries to his back, neck and head but did not wish to be transported to a hospital.
Parsons has played little this season after being acquired in an offseason trade from the Grizzlies. He has appeared in five games after returning from a knee injury that prevented him from playing to start the season. He has a total of 14 points and seven rebounds and averaged 10.8 minutes per game. Parsons is in the final year of a four-year contract that will pay him $25.1 million this season. He will be a free agent following the season.
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