AUSTRALIAN RUGBY PLAYER FRACTURES NECK & ENDS UP PARALYZED

[bugman78629]

I know several members are addicted to Rugby League, and just wanted to

post this tragic accident clip along with the link to the actual video. Our thoughts and prayers

go out to him.

Rugby player Alex McKinnon paralyzed after landing on neck

Australian professional rugby league player Alex McKinnon has been diagnosed as a quadriplegic after landing on his

neck during a game. McKinnon, who plays for the Newcastle Knights, was tackled during a game and as you can see in

the very graphic video above, he flips and lands hard right on the back of his neck.

McKinnon broke two vertebrae during the game last Monday and was placed in a coma, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

The 22-year-old awoke on Sunday to learn that doctors believe that the accident has left him a quadriplegic.

Still, his colleagues and family members won’t be deterred by the news. The chief executive of his team Matthew Gidly said,

“Alex is in the first phase of his recovery and we hope his progress continues.” McKinnon’s parents have stayed at his bedside.

McKinnon has already started physical therapy and Nine Network reported that the rehabilitation may help McKinnon improve

his condition, since his spinal cord was not severed.

Allegedly, McKinnon’s first words when he woke up was to ask for a lemonade, though he was not permitted to actually swallow it –

the beverage was dabbed on his lips instead, reports the Herald.

McKinnon has already undergone an emergency surgery and another surgery to insert a steel plate and bone graft over his damaged

vertebrae to protect his spinal cord.

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[Ken Gargett]

not an accurate report.

first, not rugby, rather it was league. but a tragic accident all the same.

the latest reports are that the claims of being a quad were appalling premature - a tv station sensationalising the accident. the media never fails to do what you thought was impossible - lower their standards even further. imagine how the family, club and friends felt seeing that.

this from his club.

and yes, all the best wishes for a full recovery.

Knights statement on Alex McKinnon

NRL.com

2:35pm Tue 01st April, 2014

The Newcastle Knights have released a statement saying there have been no new developments regarding the condition of Alex McKinnon on Monday.

The club said McKinnon had suffered a "devastating spinal injury" but that his condition has continued to improve, although the process of regeneration and recovery could last two years.

The statement also said, "The Club is extremely disappointed in the sensationalised television news story on Monday night about this tragic situation".

There were no new developments on Monday in regards to Alex McKinnon’s condition.

The Club has continued to provide factual updates in consultation with Alex’s family at this delicate time.

Alex was brought out of an induced coma following his initial surgery last Tuesday and has been conscious since. Doctors confirmed Alex had suffered a devastating spinal injury on Wednesday. On Sunday he was able to communicate with his family after his assisted ventilation was removed.

While Alex’s condition continues to improve, his body is in the first phase of recovery. As previously shared, he has movement in his right arm and the uncertainty remains in the extent of further recovery. The doctors explained any regeneration and recovery could be up to two years.

As Alex remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition, visitation is restricted. Therefore coach Wayne Bennett visited on Monday without Alex’s teammates as initially planned.

The Club is extremely disappointed in the sensationalised television news story on Monday night about this tragic situation.

One of the most important factors for Alex at this time is hope, which was jeopardised by this report.

The Club and the McKinnons appreciate the respectful way other media have handled and reported on Alex’s condition.

Club staff will continue to stay with Alex and his family in Melbourne and continue to provide any appropriate update in consultation with his family. We again request Alex and his family's privacy is respected at this time.

To Members, fans and all who are sending their best wishes, thank you.

All offers of financial and in-kind support are appreciated however our focus remains on Alex. When the time is appropriate, the Club will notify how your contribution can be accepted.

The NRL has released the following statement:

The NRL continues to offer its support to Alex, his family and the Knights club.

The NRL respects the request for privacy of Alex and the McKinnon family at this time.

"However, we are and will be there for Alex and the McKinnon family," said NRL CEO, Mr Dave Smith.

Mr Smith said the NRL would discuss ongoing support in consultation with the family and Knights at the appropriate time when there was a better understanding of Alex's needs moving forward.

The Knights have asked that any messages of support for Alex and his family be emailed to [email protected].

[bugman78629]

Correction on my part by not adding "League"; but the news clip DOES state that "Australian professional rugby league player", and the news on his condition is still pretty accurate from several sources.....

So it's NOT too far off.

[bugman78629]

not an accurate report.

first, not rugby, rather it was league. but a tragic accident all the same.

the latest reports are that the claims of being a quad were appalling premature - a tv station sensationalising the accident. the media never fails to do what you thought was impossible - lower their standards even further. imagine how the family, club and friends felt seeing that.

this from his club.

and yes, all the best wishes for a full recovery.

Knights statement on Alex McKinnon

NRL.com

2:35pm Tue 01st April, 2014

The Newcastle Knights have released a statement saying there have been no new developments regarding the condition of Alex McKinnon on Monday.

The club said McKinnon had suffered a "devastating spinal injury" but that his condition has continued to improve, although the process of regeneration and recovery could last two years.

The statement also said, "The Club is extremely disappointed in the sensationalised television news story on Monday night about this tragic situation".

There were no new developments on Monday in regards to Alex McKinnon’s condition.

The Club has continued to provide factual updates in consultation with Alex’s family at this delicate time.

Alex was brought out of an induced coma following his initial surgery last Tuesday and has been conscious since. Doctors confirmed Alex had suffered a devastating spinal injury on Wednesday. On Sunday he was able to communicate with his family after his assisted ventilation was removed.

While Alex’s condition continues to improve, his body is in the first phase of recovery. As previously shared, he has movement in his right arm and the uncertainty remains in the extent of further recovery. The doctors explained any regeneration and recovery could be up to two years.

As Alex remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition, visitation is restricted. Therefore coach Wayne Bennett visited on Monday without Alex’s teammates as initially planned.

The Club is extremely disappointed in the sensationalised television news story on Monday night about this tragic situation.

One of the most important factors for Alex at this time is hope, which was jeopardised by this report.

The Club and the McKinnons appreciate the respectful way other media have handled and reported on Alex’s condition.

Club staff will continue to stay with Alex and his family in Melbourne and continue to provide any appropriate update in consultation with his family. We again request Alex and his family's privacy is respected at this time.

To Members, fans and all who are sending their best wishes, thank you.

All offers of financial and in-kind support are appreciated however our focus remains on Alex. When the time is appropriate, the Club will notify how your contribution can be accepted.

The NRL has released the following statement:

The NRL continues to offer its support to Alex, his family and the Knights club.

The NRL respects the request for privacy of Alex and the McKinnon family at this time.

"However, we are and will be there for Alex and the McKinnon family," said NRL CEO, Mr Dave Smith.

Mr Smith said the NRL would discuss ongoing support in consultation with the family and Knights at the appropriate time when there was a better understanding of Alex's needs moving forward.

The Knights have asked that any messages of support for Alex and his family be emailed to [email protected].

PRETTY MUCH WHAT I POSTED MATE....

[Ken Gargett]

the quad bit is the issue. with respect, whether you are a quadriplegic or not is hardly pretty much the same thing. but my comments were directed at the media that concocted that, not you.

and given that the statement by the club (and others i could post) is pretty much attacking that then perhaps not really as close as you might think.

but all that is hardly the point. your original sentiment is spot on and i completely agree. all i was trying to do was clarify a few errors, in line with the latest info.

[bugman78629]

Just shedding some light thats all. No disrespect intended. I just feel bad for the guy, and wanted to share the article. Cheers

[Vinnyc]

I broke my neck playing rugby union was told I would be a quad for the rest of my life I now walk even if it is a wobble every now and again. They won't know until 12 weeks in how he will realistically be and even then it can change. I was a C5 break and couldn't use my hands at the start. After 12 weeks I could push myself around in a wheelchair and I left the hospital after 9 months on a Zimmer frame. 12 years on I am now starting to be able to jog a little. All you can do is push on and do your best.

I hope this guy has a good support network and does well at the end with his rehab.

[ARRV]

I broke my neck playing rugby union was told I would be a quad for the rest of my life I now walk even if it is a wobble every now and again. They won't know until 12 weeks in how he will realistically be and even then it can change. I was a C5 break and couldn't use my hands at the start. After 12 weeks I could push myself around in a wheelchair and I left the hospital after 9 months on a Zimmer frame. 12 years on I am now starting to be able to jog a little. All you can do is push on and do your best.

I hope this guy has a good support network and does well at the end with his rehab.

Mate that's absolutely inspirational. Hope you are keeping strong.

[Paul3]

Mate that's absolutely inspirational. Hope you are keeping strong.

X 1,000,000!! Stay strong Vinny. The human spirit is capable of overcoming some of the most formidable obstacles. Thoughts and prayers for Mr. McKinnon and his family.

[Bclass1]

I broke my neck playing rugby union was told I would be a quad for the rest of my life I now walk even if it is a wobble every now and again. They won't know until 12 weeks in how he will realistically be and even then it can change. I was a C5 break and couldn't use my hands at the start. After 12 weeks I could push myself around in a wheelchair and I left the hospital after 9 months on a Zimmer frame. 12 years on I am now starting to be able to jog a little. All you can do is push on and do your best.

I hope this guy has a good support network and does well at the end with his rehab.

Yes, do stay strong Vin as your strength and willpower to keep pushing allows us to take a step back and really appreciate life for how delicate it can really be. I wish you the best, as well as the young man who was hurt in the article.

[ogus]

I broke my neck playing rugby union was told I would be a quad for the rest of my life I now walk even if it is a wobble every now and again. They won't know until 12 weeks in how he will realistically be and even then it can change. I was a C5 break and couldn't use my hands at the start. After 12 weeks I could push myself around in a wheelchair and I left the hospital after 9 months on a Zimmer frame. 12 years on I am now starting to be able to jog a little. All you can do is push on and do your best.

I hope this guy has a good support network and does well at the end with his rehab.

fabulous! I also broke my neck hooking and experienced intermittent paralysis. A chiropractor saved me. Aussies have some of the best chiros in the world in their Gonstead society.