By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Bengals cornerback Dennis Weathersby was in serious condition Tuesday at University Hospital following a single-car crash Monday evening in Springdale.

Weathersby, 23, suffered a head injury in the accident, which left him unconscious at the scene.

Dennis Weathersby at a July 2003 press conference at Paul Brown Stadium a week after being drafted by the Bengals. (Steven M. Herppich/file photo)

"He is receiving aggressive, state-of-the-art medical treatment," a hospital statement said. "At this point, it is too early to make any further statements."

Weathersby's Chevrolet Impala SS spun out on the rain-slickened ramp from westbound Interstate 275 to southbound state Route 747, Springdale police Lt. Thomas Wells said.

The car struck a utility pole and Weathersby, who was wearing his seat belt, apparently hit his head on the driver's side door post.

Weathersby was first taken to Mercy Hospital in Fairfield before being flown to University Hospital in Cincinnati at 10 p.m. Monday.

Wells said there is no evidence that drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.

"And there was no evidence that any other cars were involved other than his car," he said.

A Bengals spokesman said Weathersby's mother and members of the Bengals coaching staff, including head coach Marvin Lewis, visited the injured player Tuesday.

Weathersby's agent, Gary Uberstine, could not be reached. A spokesman at his office deferred comment to the Bengals.

Weathersby was a fourth-round pick (98th overall) in the 2003 NFL draft.

One week before the draft, on April 20, Weathersby was shot once during a drive-by shooting near his Duarte, Calif., home.

The bullet entered Weathersby's back and exited his torso before lodging in his left arm. Weathersby lost consciousness and half of his blood.

Weathersby was active for four Bengals games last season, but registered no statistics.

During his four seasons at Oregon State, he started 45 of 48 games and broke up a school-record 57 passes.

Springdale police request that anyone who witnessed or has information regarding Monday's accident call officer Amy Campbell at 513-346-5760.

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