The NCAA basketball championship seems to be the most anticipated time of year. March Madness, as the tournament is called, brings many fans together-and even tears some apart. Colleges from across the country play in several games against each other, eventually leading up to a “Final Four” group of teams. Though uncommon, college basketball can lead to numerous devastating injuries on the court.
Enter Kevin Ware. March 31, 2013. The Louisiana Cardinals are playing Duke University in a game of the last eight teams, called the Elite Eight. Kevin Ware jumps to shoot a three-point shot...and suddenly, his career comes to a screeching halt. Landing off-balance, Ware fell backwards, right on his rear, which caused an incredible amount of stress on his leg. His shin bone snapped in two, breaking the skin, in an injury called a compound fracture. Ware’s shin bone was visible to all watching the game, causing the crowd to be visibly shaken by the sight of the bone. Ware was quoted as saying, “I’m fine, just win the game.” Ware was rushed to the Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis, the nearest medical facility.
An exhibition game against the University of Pikeville gave Ware a chance to come back to basketball. He came in during the second half of the game, to score six points.
Kevin Ware
by: Ray Connors