Chasing after a loose ball, Cavaliers superstar LeBron James crashed into the wife of PGA golf champion Jason Day, sending her tumbling violently backward from her seat in an incident that could push the league to consider changes to protect its fans.
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Ellie Day was taken from Quicken Loans Arena, with her head immobilised, to MetroHealth Medical Center. Day, who was reportedly talking to medical personnel, was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. James remained near her during the incident and told ESPN that she squeezed his hand before being carried out of the arena.
Ellie Day left Thursday’s prime-time showdown on a stretcher after James landed on top of her at full speed while trying to keep a loose ball from going out of bounds. Also through her husband’s agent, Ellie released a statement (also via the AP) that she’s not holding any ill-will toward the Cavaliers or James.
“To play without three significant guards, you gotta have a guy like LeBron in order to beat a team like Oklahoma City”, David Blatt said. “That doesn’t happen much”.
James added: “I think it’s a great experience for our fans”. It’s unfortunate it happened tonight, but that doesn’t happen much. Our fans are why our game is so great.
The momentum from James’ jump forced Day’s chair back and her to the ground, along with the Cavs star. Sitting courtside, it’s all part of the game.
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“But to me, obviously her health is very important, and hopefully she’s doing well”. The NHL has since installed safety netting above the plexiglass which surrounds its hockey rinks.
