Trust fund set for paralyzed LeGrand

Published Oct. 22, 2010 7:55 p.m. ET

foxsports

A trust fund has been established to help provide support for the care of Eric LeGrand, the Rutgers defensive tackle who was paralyzed last week.

Rutgers athletic director Tim Pernetti said the ''Eric LeGrand Believe Fund'' provides an outlet for the many people and organizations who have expressed interest in making contributions to LeGrand's family.

''We were overwhelmed by the support of so many entities,'' Pernetti said Friday. ''Anybody who wants to be able to support Eric will be able to do so.''

Pernetti said there was no update on the junior's condition. The 20-year-old LeGrand was paralyzed from the neck down making a tackle on a kickoff return with 5:10 to play in last week's game against Army.

''I was with Eric at the hospital (Friday), he's in good spirits and upbeat,'' Pernetti said. The two talked about Saturday's game against Pittsburgh.

Rutgers worked with the NCAA to make sure the fund met regulations. All the proceeds will go to the family. LeGrand grew up roughly 15 minutes from Rutgers Stadium. He had surgery and is being treated at Hackensack University Medical Center.

To honor their teammate, Rutgers players have put a sticker on the front of their helmets with the word ''believe.''