Rattlers WR Markee White suffers season-ending broken back

Wide receiver Markee White, who was in the midst of a career season for the Rattlers, will miss the remainder of the Arena Football League season with a broken back.

White, who is 6-foot-7, 215 pounds, went head-first into the end zone wall at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday against the Shock.

White lay on the turf for several minutes before he was wheeled out on a stretcher. He was able to move his legs and arms and gave a thumbs up to the crowd as he was taken off the field.

White underwent surgery in Spokane on Sunday.

Coach and General Manager Kevin Guy said that White will miss the remainder of the season, but he said doctors indicated that White will be able to make a full recovery and play football again.

"The doc said he should be able to come back from it and play football again -- if he wishes," Guy said. "That will be Markee's decision.

"We're going to rehab him, get him back ready to go. I talked to him (Monday) night, and he had a great attitude, was in good spirits. It was good to hear."

White had 57 catches for 652 yards and 16 touchdowns this season.

Before the injury, White had three touchdown catches, including a one-handed snag from quarterback Shane Boyd, in the first half of the Rattlers' 59-47 victory.

"I'm sorry about what happened to him," Boyd said. "It hurts my heart. We've got players who are selling out."

The walls around the sidelines are among the unique parts of the 50-yard indoor game.

"These guys play hard and they put their bodies on the line, trying to make plays," Guy said. "It's an unfortunate situation. Markee was trying to make a play. And it's just an unfortunate deal. We're going to do everything to get him back in good health. We're happy the surgery went well."