Hawks player Parsons' career threatened by crash injuries, says lawyer

LOS ANGELES – Atlanta Hawks forward Chandler Parsons suffered serious injuries after a car accident involving an alleged drunk driver that has left his career in jeopardy, lawyers for the NBA player said Monday (Tuesday, Manila time).

The 31-year-old has been sidelined since the crash since last Wednesday, when the Hawks said Parsons had suffered concussion and whiplash in the accident.

However attorneys representing Parsons on Monday said in a statement that the player had suffered "multiple severe and permanent injuries" in the accident.

According to the Morgan & Morgan law firm, Parsons' injuries included a traumatic brain injury, a herniated disc and a torn labrum.

The driver alleged to have caused the accident has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence, Morgan & Morgan said.

"Chandler was seriously injured in this crash, which never should have occurred," Morgan & Morgan said in its statement.

"The at-fault driver created utter chaos on the roadway, needlessly endangering the lives of countless motorists; he now stands charged with DUI, admitted drinking, had alcohol in the car with him, passed out after causing a three-car crash at 2:00PM on a Wednesday in a busy intersection, seriously injuring and potentially ending Mr. Parsons' career as a professional athlete."

Morgan & Morgan said Parsons had been in "peak physical condition" prior to the accident.

"He is now working with a team of doctors to regain his health, and at this time, his ability to return to play is unclear," the law firm said.

"Our focus right now is on helping him make a full recovery."

Parsons signed for the Hawks in 2019 after previous stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets.

He had played in only five games for Atlanta this season prior to the accident.