You’ve heard the expression “an eye for an eye and the whole world goes blind.” Well, Akil Mitchell accidentally anted up and put his money where his mouth is, or rather where his eyes weren’t.
Mitchell, who plays for the New Zeland Breakers, nearly lost his eye in a horrific accident as he went for a rebound. Coach can ride him for his lack of vision on the court, but not for his effort. He was in there battling for the board when it all went down:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvSZ_53-on8
Thankfully, they popped that sucker back in and he’s doing OK. The 24-year-old, who hails from North Carolina, recounted the freak accident.
With the palm of my hand, I felt my eyeball slide down my face. I could still see out of the eye.
I remember thinking, ‘Oh man…this is kinda bad,’ but I actually felt it kind of out of place and that’s when I kind of freaked out a little bit.
Once I got in the ambulance they gave me a little pain medicine and some saline drops in my eye and I felt it slide back into place, which is also a really strange feeling.
It felt so good to be able to blink again.
Akil Mitchell via Radio Sport
For his part, Mitchell has handled the incident and ensuing media firestorm like a champ. You never know when your 15 minutes are gonna come, and all you can do is roll with the punches (pokes).
?… too soon? Lol thanks for all the love, well wishes, and prayers tonight. I’m home and seeing fine, more tests tomorrow
— akil mitchell (@ajmitchell25) January 26, 2017
This incident conjures images of the late Kimbo Slice fighting that dude in the backyard and knocking his eye out.
SEE ALSO: Cop who fought Kimbo Slice bareknuckle has gun, badge seized
Going forward, let’s all agree not to get out of pocket and keep our eyes in their sockets.
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