### Alabama A&M Confusion: Player's Reported Death Contradicted by Family

A perplexing situation unfolded at Alabama A&M as officials announced the death of football player Medrick Burnett Jr. on Wednesday, only for the announcement to be retracted shortly thereafter. Burnett’s family has countered the claim, informing a local NBC News affiliate, WFAF, that the 20-year-old athlete remains hospitalized.

Medrick Burnett Jr., who suffered a head injury during a match four weeks prior, has been the center of the conflicting reports. The incident occurred during the Magic City Classic on October 26, a high-stakes annual game against Alabama State. His mother, Denise Burnett, alluded to the family's ongoing ordeal, expressing that a formal statement would be made in due course.

Following the attempt to clarify the situation, Alabama A&M swiftly removed the premature death announcement from their website. At this time, the university has not responded to requests for further comments about the blunder. Attempts by NBC News to reach Burnett’s family directly have also been unsuccessful.

Burnett, a redshirt freshman linebacker who had transferred from Grambling, was making a promising start at Alabama A&M. His standout performance was on September 21, during a game against Austin Peay, where he achieved three tackles. The initial statement from the school's Athletic Director, Paul Bryant, now deletd, had expressed deep sorrow over the supposed loss, describing Burnett as an inspiring individual both on and off the field.

In the wake of this confusion, Burnett's high school, Mayfair HS, acknowledged the challenging period, extending prayers and support to his family and team members.

As the Bulldogs prepare for their final match of the season against Florida A&M in Tallahassee, their overall standing remains at 6-5, with a 4-3 record within the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The contradiction about Burnett’s status has cast a shadow over the team's upcoming game and left many awaiting a clear resolution to the distressing situation.