The Badgers and defensive end Joe Monty received a bit of good news on Tuesday, when the senior lineman was sent home from the UW Hospital.
Monty was first admitted early Friday morning after he was involved in a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of North Park Street and Dayton Street.
Reportedly, Monty was on his moped during the early morning hours when he slammed into the back of a car that was stopped at a red light at the intersection.
Monty suffered serious facial injuries, requiring him to undergo successful surgery on Saturday to repair several facial fractures. The driver of the car was uninjured.
"I'm pleased to report that Joe has been released from the hospital," UW athletic trainer Clark Pearson said. "He will continue to be treated by UW physicians and sports medicine staff."
Police suspect Monty had been drinking prior to the accident and he may face drunken driving charges in the near future.
"Joe and his family appreciate the well-wishes of Badger fans," Pearson said. "He is continuing on his road to recovery."
A native of Fort Collins, Colo., Monty started 12 of 13 games for the Badgers in 2005 and made 30 tackles, earning Wisconsin's Jay Seiler Coaches Appreciation Award, which is annually awarded to a player who has contributed to the team's success to the best of his abilities.
Neither Monty nor his family could be reached for further comment.
Four Badgers picked up by NFL squads
According to team websites, four Badgers were signed following the 2006 NFL Draft, as fullback Matt Bernstein, offensive lineman Jason Palermo, center Donovan Raiola and cornerback Levonne Rowan all found homes in the hours following the draft.
Bernstein, who enjoyed a four-year run as the Badgers starting fullback — though his senior season was cut short due to injury — will join his backfield partner Brian Calhoun in Detroit.
Bernstein, who before the 2005 season began was considered by many to be the top senior fullback in the country, saw his draft stock fall after sitting out most of the season with a sports hernia.
Palermo started every game for Wisconsin at right guard and was picked up by the Minnesota Vikings.
Raiola was a three-year starter for the Badgers and was signed by the St. Louis Rams. Rowan will make his way to the City of Brotherly Love after signing with the Eagles. He finished his career with Wisconsin after starting four games in the secondary and recording 27 tackles last season, sharing time at in the defensive backfield with senior Brett Bell and freshman Allen Langford.
–UWBadgers.com contributed to this report.
