Former Titan Long released from hospital
By PAUL KUHARSKY • Staff Writer • February 7, 2008
Metro police will cite reckless driving as the contributing factor to the one-car accident that sent former Titans defensive tackle Rien Long to the hospital in critical condition on Jan. 21, a spokesman said Wednesday.
Long's injuries initially had him in critical condition, but Vanderbilt University Medical Center officials said he was upgraded to stable two days later. Long was discharged on Monday, a hospital official said.
Long's car left a ramp to Interstate 40 from Broadway, went up an embankment, hit a rock wall and fell back onto the road on its roof.
Long was interviewed by police this week, spokesman Don Aaron said.
"The crash report will cite reckless driving, with speed as a component, as the contributing factor to the accident," Aaron said. "Long said he had not been drinking and there was no evidence detected of alcohol involvement. He was checking the performance of his vehicle and it got away from him."
Because it was a one-car crash and no parties outside the vehicle were injured, no ticket will be issued, Aaron said. Wesley Stephens, a passenger, suffered noncritical injuries and was released from the hospital the afternoon following the crash.
Long had 9.5 sacks in 58 games with the Titans, who drafed him in 2003. He was released after attempts to come back from an Achilles injury that cost him the entire 2006 season.
LINK
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....802070394/1027