Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, December 14, 1993 TAG: 9312140207
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: SACRAMENTO, CALIF. LENGTH: Medium
The 22-year-old rookie for the NBA's Sacramento Kings remained in a life-threatening situation and was breathing with a ventilator. However, doctors said he was "improving steadily" and responding to family members at his bedside.
Hurley's progress in the next four to five days will determine if he needs more surgery for his extensive injuries, including broken ribs and two collapsed lungs.
"Right now he's starting to stabilize so his condition has to be listed as serious, but it's very encouraging that he's starting to stabilize," said Dr. Richard Marder, a surgeon at the University of California-Davis Medical Center.
"I do not think it's right to speculate right now on his eventual return to professional sports," Marder said. "We're concerned with saving his life. His injuries are reversible. They could heal . . . heal completely."
Hurley, a two-time All-America selection at Duke, was injured Sunday night about a mile from Arco Arena following the Kings' 112-102 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Police Lt. Rich Braziel said Hurley was making a left turn when his Toyota 4-Runner truck was hit by a 1980 Buick station wagon with the headlights off.
The impact knocked off the truck's left front wheel and part of the axle. Hurley was thrown from the truck and was found face down in a drainage canal.
An off-duty police officer was on the scene and prevented Hurley from drowning, Marder said.
The driver of the other vehicle, Dan Wieland, 37, of Sacramento, was in fair condition with a broken leg, police and hospital officials said.
Police Detective Chuck Barham said Wieland was driving with an expired license and without headlights. Officers were awaiting blood test results to determine if alcohol or drugs were contributing factors.
Teammate Mike Peplowski, one of the first people on the scene, said Hurley recognized him. Peplowski accompanied Hurley to the hospital.
Hurley's father, a parole officer and high school basketball coach, and mother, a teacher, arrived at the hospital Monday.
"His parents asked for prayers for their son," said hospital spokeswoman Ellen Robinson-Haynes. "He's really in a very fragile condition right now, and the next five days will be critical ones for him."
Hurley, the seventh pick of the 1993 NBA draft, had been starting for the Kings this season, averaging 7.1 points and 6.1 assists.
But his following is bigger than those numbers might suggest. Neither tall nor exceptionally gifted, Hurley built a fan base the same way he built his career - out of sheer grit and determination.
Hurley is the quintessential everyday guy, from his height (6-foot) and middle-class background (Jersey City, N.J.) to his shoe size (10 1/2).
What sets him apart is an uncommon drive.
Bob Harris, a Duke radio announcer for 19 years, saw it in every college game Hurley played.
"If there's anybody I know who can make a complete recovery, it's Bobby," Harris said. "He's the most competitive human being I think I've ever been around."
The most critical injury is to the lungs, said Dr. Glenn Perry, the Charlotte Hornets' team physician.
"The lung injuries are more life-threatening," Perry said. "It certainly is conceivable that he would come back from that, though no timetable would be set."
Christian Laettner, Hurley's former Duke teammate, said, "I'm obviously sad. I hope he makes it through, and I hope he's able to play again.
"Right now, I just hope he stays alive and stays with us on this planet," said Laettner, a second-year forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
by CNB