Southern wide receiver Devon Gales was admitted to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta on Wednesday to begin the next phase of his treatment for a severe spinal injury he suffered last Saturday.

Gales, who underwent surgery for several neck fractures Sunday at Athens Regional, was admitted to Shepherd Center’s Spinal Cord Injury Unit “for evaluation, care and observation”, Southern said in a statement.

On Thursday, Gales, a redshirt sophomore from Baton Rouge, is scheduled to begin “a rigorous rehabilitation program under the guidance of a full team of medical and rehabilitation specialists,” Southern said.

Shepherd’s team of specialists typically consists of “an attending physician, nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech language pathologist, recreation therapist, case manager, peer support specialist, nutritionist and psychologist,” according the statement.

Shepherd Center’s website says the hospital, founded in 1975, “specializes in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury or brain injury.” It is a private, not-for-profit hospital and is ranked among the Top 10 rehabilitation hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

Southern and Georgia officials have worked hand in hand since Gales was injured while blocking on a kickoff return during the third quarter of the Jaguars 48-6 loss to Georgia in Athens, Ga.

The teamwork between the two institutions prompted Southern to release a letter that SU Systems President-Chancellor Ray L. Benton sent to Georgia officials Wednesday.

The letter was addressed to Bulldogs athletic director Greg McGarity, head coach Mark Richt, UGA officials, and the entire UGA community. In it, Benton said the cooperation between the two institutions “exemplified the true nature of sportsmanship, caring and generosity.”

Benton cited the fact that the sports medicine staffs of both schools worked “side by side” to attend to Gales until he was transported by ambulance to Athens Regional. McGarity and Jaguars athletic director Roman Banks coordinated plans for Gales’ treatment and McGarity arranged for Gales’ parents to be transported to Athens at UGA’s expense.

The letter also stated:

“While Devon’s road to full recovery may be long, we are grateful for the prayers and excellent medical care and treatment that resulted in his successful surgery and improvement thus far.

“The extent to which the UGA officials and community have embraced our student-athlete is remarkable and it speaks volumes to their character and kindness.”

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