genrel_041604aaa
April 16, 2004
Corvallis, Ore. - The Oregon State University Athletic Department would like to extend its thoughts and prayers to former student-athlete Dennis Weathersby. The department would also like to encourage Beaver Nation to support Dennis by mailing letters in c/o of Dennis Weathersby, One Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH 45202 or email at TNI@Healthall.com.
For updates please access the Cincinnati Bengals website -- Bengals web site.
Weathersby, a former standout defensive back for the Beavers, was involved in a single automobile accident Monday (April 12) north of Cincinnati, Ohio. Reports indicate that drugs or alcohol did not play a part in the accident.
Weathersby, at last report (April 15), was in serious condition with a head injury.
"I think I can speak for the entire OSU community in saying that we are deeply concerned about the well being of Dennis," Director of Athletics Bob De Carolis said. "He is truly a success story that the OSU community can be proud of and during his time at OSU was the consummate student-athlete."
Weathersby lettered four years at OSU from 1999-2002 and is considered the best defensive back to ever play for the Beavers. The Duarte, Calif., native was a two-time All-Pacific-10 Conference selection and a second team All-American as a senior by The Sporting News. Weathersby also was a four-time Pac-10 All-Academic honoree, a three-time District Academic All-American and OSU's male Pac-10 Conference Medal recipient which signifies outstanding achievements in academics and athletics. He graduated from OSU with a bachelor's degree in liberal studies.
Weathersby was recruited to OSU by current football head coach Mike Riley and arrived on campus in August of 1998.
"I know a lot of his former teammates and coaches are deeply concerned about Dennis," Riley said. "Dennis is a terrific young man who is a role model for many young student-athletes."
Weathersby is in his second year with the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2003 draft, but many projected him a first or second round selection before he was a victim of a drive-by shooting in California last summer.
