Author Topic: Manute Bol Injured In Auto Accident (Read 263 times)

mrtonguetwista · « **on:** July 01, 2004, 06:29:57 PM »

COLCHESTER, Connecticut (AP) - Former NBA center Manute Bol was seriously injured in a highway accident Wednesday night, police said.

Bol was riding in a cab when it rolled over, killing the driver and throwing the 2.31-meter (7-foot-7) Sudan native from the car. Bol suffered a head injury and was taken by helicopter to Hartford Hospital, state police spokesman J. Paul Vance said.

``The doctor said, for his age, he's in extremely good shape and would probably be dead if he wasn't an athlete,'' longtime friend Andrew Kearns said.

Bol's condition was not released Thursday, but Kearns said Bol has a broken neck and is sedated.

``It's going to be a long recovery, unfortunately,'' Kearns said.

Bol, 43, was a second-round draft pick of the Washington Bullets in 1985. He played 10 seasons in the NBA before retiring in 1995 after averaging 4.2 rebounds per game and 2.6 points during his career. He blocked more shots per minute than anyone in league history.

Bol was born in Turalie, a remote village in the southern part of Sudan. The region is the home of the Dinkas, the tallest people in the world. For a time, he was the tallest man ever to play in the NBA.

Many of his relatives were leaders in the Sudanese People's Liberation Army, the rebel movement. Since 1991, he has made several visits to refugee camps, where people greeted him as a king.

An important backer of the rebel movement, Bol contributed an estimated $3.5 million. He begged for American intervention in Sudan and picketed the country's embassy.

In 2002, Bol signed with the Indianapolis Ice of the minor Central Hockey League to raise money for the people of his war-torn homeland. He never stepped on the ice.

Sikotic™ · « **Reply #1 on:** July 01, 2004, 11:24:32 PM »

I remember that guy. Tall lanky mofo. I hope he gets well soon. He's lucky to be alive.

Leggy Hendrix · « **Reply #2 on:** July 02, 2004, 03:42:55 AM »

bad shit...

The Big Bad Ass · « **Reply #3 on:** July 02, 2004, 04:31:08 AM »

I remember watching him in a game when he hit 7 3 pointers in a row. A 7'7" dude drilling 3's is pure comedy. Sad to hear about his accident. He did alot of good for his people

Eddie G. · « **Reply #4 on:** July 03, 2004, 09:59:31 PM »

Damn, hopefully his recovery goes well

Suffice · « **Reply #5 on:** July 04, 2004, 03:58:50 AM »

damn, it sucks when people get injured. I know this comment is lame, but it's so true. I never saw Manute play, but i saw his picture in this book on basketball that i have. I think he's got one of the coolest names in NBA history. Hopefully he can recover soon so he can live a normal life like most of us.