From a press release:

Richie Morris recently underwent surgery from Dr. Beinz at Gem City Bone and Joint. The purpose was to try to somewhat repair his crushed left wrist, a product of the March Daytona crash we all remember. After going inside the doctors felt there was too much damage, therefore the wrist was permanently fused.

“Yeah, it is kind of bad, but I am better off than last year, riding in all of that pain. It wasn’t too bad at some tracks, adrenaline is a great thing. But, I would usually go back to the motorhome and cry after the race was over. Basically, it is no different, I wasn’t able to bend it last year, so now I’ll never bend it again. They took some bone from my hip and grafted it over my wrist, then with a metal rod and plate, welded the thing all together.”

Richie has been given the go-ahead to return to the gym Jan. 1. with light weights. “I can’t wait, I haven’t been in a gym since February at Daytona, and I can definitely feel it on the bike,” said Morris. “I just thank God it was my left wrist. Had it been my right, my racing
career would for sure be over. But it’s not, and I am as hungry as ever to win the Buell Championship!”

(Editor’s Note: Morris underwent surgery November 13, 2001.)