Injured UGA outfielder Johnathan Taylor will remain in an Athens hospital one more day. Taylor, who had been expected to be moved Thursday morning to Atlanta's Shepherd Center, will be transferred to the Atlanta spinal rehabilitation facility on Friday, according a website set up by his family. No reason for the decision was given.
Taylor, who underwent spinal surgery Monday, was removed from a ventilator Wednesday, according to the website.
The junior was injured in a head-on collision with teammate Zach Cone as both chased a line drive during Sunday's loss to Florida State. Cone was not seriously injured and was able to walk off the field, but Taylor was taken to St. Mary's Hospital in Athens, where he remained Wednesday night.
The long-term prognosis for the 20-year-old Taylor is still unknown. But family members noted on his website that removing the ventilator was a big step toward Taylor's recovery. Taylor also underwent physical therapy Wednesday.
Taylor's injury came just 16 months after then-freshman Chance Veazey was paralyzed from the waist down in a scooter wreck in Athens. Veazey returned to UGA as a full-time student in the fall and is an assistant on the baseball team's staff.
A fund has been set up at an Athens bank to help Taylor's family with medical expenses. Those wishing to donate should contact the First American Bank and Trust.
