New York Giants rookie safety Chad Jones will be moved to a New York hospital on Tuesday after he was seriously injured in a car accident early Friday in New Orleans.
Jones, a two-sport star at LSU who was drafted by the Giants in the third round this year, is being transferred to Presbyterian Hospital for plastic surgery and additional orthopedic procedures.
Jones underwent nearly eight hours of surgery for a broken left leg and ankle following a dawn wreck in which his SUV smashed into a pole, an accident that has put his career in jeopardy.
"Chad has received outstanding medical care from the doctors and nurses in New Orleans since his accident. They've shown great compassion," Giants vice president of medical services Ronnie Barnes said in a statement. "After consulting with our doctors, Chad's doctors at LSU and his family felt like this move to New York was the next logical step in his care and recovery."
Jones, a heavy-hitting, play-making safety with the Tigers, was part of LSU's 2007 national championship team and was a left-handed relief pitcher for the 2009 Tigers squad that won the College World Series. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers weeks after the Giants selected him in the NFL draft. Jones signed with the Giants two weeks ago.
The 21-year-old's father said Monday that his son is in good spirits and his leg and foot are looking better.
In a statement released by LSU, Al Jones said a long healing process is only beginning, but added that "everything is positive right now" with his son's recovery.
Police are still investigating the single-car accident but were not able to test Jones' blood-alcohol level before he went into surgery. Officers were able to interview Jones' two passengers, who had only minor injuries, and found no evidence that alcohol was a factor, New Orleans Police spokeswoman Shereese Harper said.
The hospital likely conducted its own blood or urine tests, but authorities have not decided whether to subpoena those, Harper said. Police also have not concluded whether Jones was speeding. So far, he has been cited only for careless operation of a vehicle.