Huntsville, AL – Alabama A&M University has issued a correction after mistakenly announcing the death of a football player who suffered a head injury during a recent game.

Initial Announcement

On Thursday, September 8th, the university released a statement announcing the passing of sophomore linebacker Jaheim Oatis due to injuries sustained in a game against Samford University on Saturday, September 3rd.

Correction Issued

However, less than 24 hours later, Alabama A&M issued a revised statement, clarifying that Oatis was alive and receiving medical attention at a local hospital. The university attributed the error to a “miscommunication” and apologized for the distress caused.

Player’s Condition

Oatis remains in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery, according to the university’s athletic director, Bryan Hicks. Hicks expressed relief at the positive outcome of the situation and praised the medical staff for their swift and effective response.

Response from the University

Alabama A&M President Daniel Wims apologized for the mistake and vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future. He also emphasized the university’s commitment to the health and well-being of its students, including providing support for Oatis and his family during this difficult time.

Potential Consequences

The incident has raised questions about the university’s protocols for handling emergencies and the accuracy of information released to the public. Some experts have suggested that Alabama A&M should consider reviewing its communication policies and training staff on best practices for handling sensitive situations.

Forward-Looking Statement

The university has pledged to use this experience as an opportunity to strengthen its processes and ensure that such errors do not recur. Alabama A&M remains committed to transparency and will continue to provide updates on Oatis’ condition as they become available.