Former LSU two-time national champion Chad Jones was
involved in a single-car accident at approximately 6:15 am on Carrolton Avenue
near Toulouse Street in New Orleans.
New Orleans EMS spokesman Jeb Tate said that Jones was
transported in guarded condition to the LSU Public Hospital in New Orleans
after workers extracted Jones from his Range Rover SUV.
WWL-TV’s website, citing information from hospital
officials, reported that Jones suffered multiple fractures to his left leg,
including shattering both his tibia and fibula, and had arteries and nerves
exposed. According to reports, the accident occurred when Jones slammed into a
streetcar pole on North Carrollton Avenue heading towards Canal Street.
“Just got news about Chad Jones’ car accident. We are
praying for Chad and his family. Keep him in your prayers,” said LSU head coach
Les Miles in a message via Twitter.
Rocky Arceneaux, Jones’ agent, released a statement through
LSU.
“The severity of Chad’s injuries up to this point is
unknown. At this point, we are praying for Chad and ask that everyone does the
same,” he said.
The New York Giants picked Jones in the third round of
April’s NFL Draft, and he signed his contract on June 11.
During his three years in Baton Rouge, Jones helped carry
LSU to national titles in both football and baseball. Jones was a two-year
starter at safety, where he finished his career with 158 total tackles. On the
baseball diamond, Jones was instrumental in LSU’s 2009 run through Omaha, the
marquee moment coming when the southpaw tossed 1.2 innings of shutout relief
after entering in the sixth inning of the final game of the College World
Series.