A bad fall undeserving for a good man

“Forget about the game. Forget about the semis berth. This guy’s livelihood is in jeopardy. Let’s pray for him.”

This was the message I got last night from a friend named Jojo Ponce in reaction to the accident suffered by Purefoods Chunkee Giants Fil-Am forward, Eugene Tejada in the game against Red Bull at the Yñares Gym in Antipolo last night, May 14, 2006.

Down by a wide margin at the 5:42 mark in the fourth quarter, Roger Yap drove to the basket for a lay-up when the ball hit under the rim. Hustling for the rebound, nearby Tejada jumped for the ball and fell on his buttocks. Mick Pennisi, who were also fighting for the rebound fell backward and over Tejada which caused the latter’s body to make a dangerous recoil. When the smoke cleared, Tejada was prostrated at the floor with his head above his right limb, which was then stretched upward. He was grimacing in pain saying, “I can’t feel! I can’t feel.”

Purefoods coaching staff, PBA physician and Red Bull doctors rushed to his aid and found him unable to feel any sensation from his hips down and his right hand was also numb. Considering the sensitivity of the situation, they’ve decided not to touch him as to prevent any more aggravation to the injury. He also busted his kisser, which have gone black and blue. He was down on the floor for almost 30 minutes

What happened the entire lull was an all-time touching scene.

Girlfriend Jenny Hernandez, who was watching the game, went down from the bleachers, wiped Eugene’s tears and assured him that everything’s going to be all right. Teammates Kerby Raymundo, James Yap, Rey Evangelista, Roger Yap, Paul Artadi and others gathered up around to keep him calm while Ryan Gregorio, Governor Rene Pardo and Team Manager Alvin Patrimonio intently watched and observed.

Meanwhile, Coach Yeng Guiao and the entire Red Bull bench was obviously as shocked and as somber as they offer a moment of silence for the beleaguered opponent. Yñares fans were also up on their feet eagerly waiting for further development.

Soon the paramedics came and took Tejada to the Makati Medical Center. Jenny and some members of Purefoods the medical staff accompanied him.

The Giants then huddled for a few minutes as the action resumed to offer a prayer for their friend and teammate. The game went on as the Giants succumbed to the Bulls via score 92-75.

Later in the evening, I received another text message. This one’s a forwarded message originally sent by Kuya Rey Evangelista. The text went: “CT Scan showed dislocated cervical vertebrae c-2-c-7. [We will] start medical management and cervical traction. MRI [is] to follow. FYI.”

Just what does it mean by dislocated cervical vertebrae? Not minute, really.

According to the website www.peacehealth.org, the vertebrae and spinal nerves are organized into segments. One of which is called the Cervical segment, which pertains to the neck area. It contains 7 cervical vertebrae (C1 through C7) and 8 cervical nerves (C1 through C8). Cervical injury usually causes loss of function in the chest, arms, and legs. This explains the numbness on Tejada legs and arms. Indeed, it is life threatening.

That night it made me wonder, how could something so bad happen to a good man?

Prior to the game last night, Tejada sat out on the Giants two assignments due to a sprained foot. He wasn’t a hundred percent. But Kerby went down so Coach Ryan had no choice but to field him in to help in the rebounding department. Despite his condition, Eugene showed his usual devil-may-care attitude and hustle. He wouldn’t have fallen as hard if he weren’t going ferociously for the ball. But we can’t blame him. That’s how he plays. That’s the kind of player, a man that he is. He surely deserves our adulation and praise but more than that, our prayers.

Yes, prayers.

But, what occurred in Yñares last night shall also serve as a reminder that accidents can happen to anyone, anytime especially in the world of sports that’s why athletes need to be extra careful and oftentimes, prayerful. On the part of the PBA, it showed their unity in times of adversity. But more than that, the incident reminded us of the things that should matter more: life, health, our love ones and friends.

That for sure is bigger than the outright semifinals ticket.

In parting, let’s pray for Eugene’s speedy recovery. Let’s hope that may his family have the strength to stand next to him all throughout these trying times.

You’ll be all right, Gene! We’re right behind you.


Prayer:

Lord heal him, we rebuke any paralization in his body. We ask for quick recovery in Jesus name, amen.

Please pass.