tragic! Buffalo Bills Kevin Everett paralyzed in tackle. Age 25. Unlikely to walk again.

[Liberal_in_LA]

What a trajedy. Is it worth it that our young men risk catastrophic injury for our entertainment.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/09/10/bc.fbn.bills.everetthur.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

Everett's injury 'catastrophic'
Doctor: Paralysis likely for Bills TE after spinal surgery
Posted: Monday September 10, 2007 12:08PM; Updated: Monday September 10, 2007 10:24PM

Kevin Everett sustained what the team called a cervical spine injury when he ducked his head while driving in to tackle Denver's Domenik Hixon.
AP

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- Kevin Everett sustained a "catastrophic" and life-threatening spinal-cord injury while trying to make a tackle during the Buffalo Bills' season opener and is unlikely to walk again, the surgeon who operated on him said Monday.

"A best-case scenario is full recovery, but not likely," orthopedic surgeon Andrew Cappuccino said. "I believe there will be some permanent neurologic deficit."

Everett was hurt Sunday after he ducked his head while tackling the Denver Broncos' Domenik Hixon during the second-half kickoff. Everett dropped face-first to the ground after his helmet hit Hixon high on the left shoulder and side of the helmet.

Cappuccino noted the 25-year-old reserve tight end did have touch sensation throughout his body and also showed signs of movement. But he cautioned that Everett's injury was life-threatening because he was still susceptible to blood clots, infection and breathing failure.

[LostinVA]

1. It is a shame but -- young athletes suffer injuries like that playing only for

their own entertainment, as well. Accidents don't only happen to professionals, but to people at all levels of every sport.

[Liberal_in_LA]

2. true enough

[Ken Burch]

3. The great paradox of American football

What was originally meant to be PROTECTIVE equipment in the uniforms ends up being a means to inflict ever more debilitating injuries.

In soccer or rugby, by contrast, you hardly ever hear of anyone's career ending in a paralyzing collision. Seldom happens in basketball or baseball(the worst baseball injuries come not from collisions but from being hit by a pitch).

[RB TexLa]

8. Baseball injuries predominately come from negotiating the bases

either running or sliding at the bases.

There have been some head injuries from being hit by a pitch, but broken legs, torn ligaments and hip injuries from the bases and sliding are far more common.

[Ken Burch]

10. Fair enough.

Still, nobody's ever ended a MLB career as a quadraplegic.

[CatWoman]

4. I remember this happening (something similar) to Mike Utley

of the Detroit Lions, in 1991.

I saw it happen.

He still can't walk, and is coping with his paralysis.

[Colorado Progressive]

5. I think American football replaces the niche of the gladiators. Just ridiculous

brute force, machismo, violence, etc. I know men love it but this guys life is ruined. We watched that game and I felt sick when they carried him off. Everyone just kept on cheering, etc. Just get'ím outta the way.....

[tuckessee]

12. Football combines two of the worst aspects of American life.....

...Militarism & committee meetings.

[Greyhound]

6. It is a tragedy for him and his loved ones.

While I enjoy it as much as anyone else, this can only reinforce my opinion of football players.

[leftofthedial]

7. blood! blood!

we want blood!

This is aMurka dammit!

More blood!

[Oeditpus Rex]

9. Fans want violence

but they forget the inevitable consequences.

Same with Freepers and war.

[HughMoran]

11. I was bummed after reading that follow-up story tonight

I hate seeing these sorts of horrific injuries :(

[burrowowl]

13. American football

A 1-hour game that can last 4 hours?
I prefer rugby and soccor.
Professional basketball instead of being graceful has become a contact sport.
This is so sad to be paralyzed for a sport that so hypercommerialized that it is boring and people watch the Super Bowl for the commercials and half-time.
Hopefully he will recover as fully as possible.

[slampoet]

14. At least he isn't doing recovery at Walter Reed along with all the other 25 year olds.