Mike Lee (Fort Worth, Texas), the 19-year old bull riding sensation currently number three in the race for the 2003 Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Championship, was injured Thursday, May 29, 2003, during a rodeo in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

Lee sustained head injuries when the bull he was riding jerked him forward, resulting in a collision with the animal. Lee was knocked unconscious for a few minutes, but regained consciousness in the arena. He was taken to Ft. Smith Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery early Friday morning. Presently, Lee is under observation in Ft. Smith's intensive care unit and should go home early next week. His return date to competition is unknown.

"Mike will undergo several neurological tests to make sure everything is normal before he is released to compete again," says Dr. Tandy Freeman, PBR Sports Medicine. "Right now he is questionable for the PBR World Finals later this year in November."

Relatives state that Mike is doing well. "We are very thankful. It could have been much worse," states Mike's mother, Teri Lee. "The helmet he wears saved his life." Mike is one of a handful of bull riders who wear helmets during competition to protect their head and face.

Lee joined the PBR in 2002, ending that season as the runner-up Rookie of the Year. He currently holds the highest riding percentage of the top 45 bull riders presently on tour with the Built Ford Tough Series.