Rodney Rogers' NBA career probably didn't pan out like anyone who watched him at Wake Forest thought it would; for those of us who grew up in his heyday as a Demon Deacon, he was legendary for his all-around game and ridiculous upper torso that allowed him to play almost any spot on the floor.And now, sadly, Rogers, according to the News and Observer, is paralyzed from the shoulders down after a recent four wheeling accident near Raleigh.
Dave Odom, Rogers' coach when Rogers was an All-America basketball player at Wake Forest University, said Wednesday that his former star is paralyzed from the shoulders down. Rogers, 37, was recently transferred from Duke Hospital to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. The center's mission is to help people who have experienced a catastrophic injury.And, as noted by the N&O article, this isn't just a loss for Rogers and his family, it's a loss for the city of Durham and fans of the former Deac everywhere; Rogers was considered one of the most charitable members of the city and, more or less, a hero to many of its citizens.
"Say a prayer for Rodney and his family,'' Odom said.
Oddly enough, despite being "financially set", Rogers went to work for Durham's Public Works Department, managing/driving many of their larger trucks ... just because he wanted a challenging day job. In other words, this is one of those tragedies that won't ever make sense or have any air of rationality about it. Like Odom said, thoughts and prayers are with Rodney and his family, knowing that the only sliver of a silver lining is that Rogers will find a way to benefit the community and other people through his suffering.
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RODNEY I HOPE THEY FIND A WAY TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR ACCIDENT INJURIES AND PARALYSIS. I REMEMBER WATCHING YOU WHEN I WAS YOUNGER AND YOU WERE ONE OF THE GREATEST POWER FORWARDS IN COLLEGE BASKETBALL. YOU HAD SOME GOOD YEARS WITH THE NUGGETS AND YOU ALWAYS PLAYED HARD. YOU ARE A GREAT SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY OF DURHAM AND EVERYWHERE ELSE YOU HAVE GONE. PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Rodney along with my cousin Sandra Grady and Keke our family will be praying for you each and everyday. Having experienced a neck injury twenty years ago I have faith that your injury is just a temporary set-back. Keep holding onto your guardian angels.
Rodney, you played with a lot of heart in Phoenix. I will say a prayer for your recovery.
Rodney, I have been a big fan since your Nuggets days. I taped your famous 9 points (3 threes) in just a few seconds (was it 8 sec?) against the Jazz back in the '90s. Robert Pack got the assist on each one. I doubt if anyone will ever break that record! People won't believe me until I dig out that old VHS tape and show them.
So sad to here of your injury. We will be praying for you.
Rodney my friend,
I am in shock over your injury, but will pray that you can recover from this. I hope to hear from you when you are able. You are such a special guy, and need to know that you have so many people pulling for you.
I would really appreciate anyone that can keep me updated or give me an address to send you somthing.
Proud to call you my friend!!!
NEVER SAW YOU PLAY. DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT YOU BUT CAN'T WISH ANYTING LIKE THIS TO ANYONE WHO IS AN ATHLETE---IT IS SO MUCH HARDER FOR ONE WHO IS SO ACTIVE AND I WISH YOU THE BEST. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS.
When you have met such a humble person and star athlete - it is really refreshing. I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Rodney when he first came to Wake Forest and he was a class act then, as well as now. Because I have followed his progress, I'm aware that he is highly respected in his hometown, college and throughout the NBA. God Bless you Rodney and you will always be a hero and honorable man to all who knew you.
K
Rodney we enjoyed watching you play with our Suns while you were here. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. You must remember that when God closes one door He opens another. We've come a long way with medical technology and with Gods help a resolution will be found for you. Keep God with you always and you'll be amazed at the miracles he will preform for you. I've had major medical issues this past year, including dying 5 times. I'm now trying to get healthy enough to be put on the transplant list. But I know God will be at my side the whole time as he is with you. Lean on Him that's what He's there for and wants you to do. You're going to come out ok Rodney. Good Luck.
Wish him a speedy recovery.
Rodney- STAY POSITIVE!! I am proof that anything can happen with a GREAT ATTITUDE
& A STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM! I was in a
horrific car accident. Many Injuries & Surgeries. The worst being --- A C1- C2 Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury-Paralyzed from neck down. I spent 7 months total in Hospital & Rehab.Then 6 more months of out-patient Rehab.I still have my issues but I can now WALK with a CANE & lead a normal life. Its all about A POSITIVE ATTITUDE- KEEP YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME- GOOD LUCK!!!!
Hi tom, my 30yr old sister has suffered a t3 sci incomplete on nov14th as a result of surgery one wrong. I'm so scared for her but was inspired by you. What hospital for rehab did you go to? She is in nyu rusk now how long was it before u regained sensation? Thanx for any help!!!!
May "The Creator" Look Into Your Heart And Bless You Accordingly! I will Definitely Mention You In My Prayers! I Was There When You Crushed My 76ers, Almost Single Handedly! You Played For Boston Then, Visiting Philly! I Hadn't Heard Of You Before Then But I Definitely Never Forgot You After That! You Can Walk Again! It Is Just A Matter Of How Hard You Are Willing To Work For It! I'm Cheering For You!
Rodney, I feel terrible for what happened. My prayers go out to you and your loved ones. God Bless You.
What are you saying, that tragic accidents are somehow more rational or comprehensible when they happen to ass****s as opposed to decent people? Better rethink that one, Will, life's a hell of a lot more complicated and unpredictable than that. I have nothing against Rogers and wish him nothing but the absolute best in whatever the future brings in the aftermath of this tragedy, but we're owed nothing in this world, not even our next breath, and that's just the way it is.
Rodney.............Your the Man!!! We are praying for you and your family here in Texas.
God Bless!
God has a plan for you and he will take you thru this tragic accident. he is by your side. God bless
Rodney, I met you when you lived in Jersey and your daughter was playing soccer with mine. You were always a class act. You signed autographs for any of the kids that came up to you during the games. My son still has the one you signed for him hanging up in his room. You and your family are in our prayers.
I'm not an NBA fan but saw your story and had to comment. Find your ultimate goal at this point in your injury and concentrate on it and don't give up your vision. I'm a C5, C6 Quad and if you work hard you will be amazed at how much your mind can do and in pretty short order. I cycled competitively and was injured 19 months ago, I'm already doing things that aren't suppose to happen. So don't quit or give up, hang in there Brother.
(T.) You are in my prayers - have a speedy recovery. I am so sad to hear this. May God Bless you and your family.
Judd
I hope he planned out his insurance for a poor unfortunate accident such as this. Its such a sad thing to be paralyzed, but when your career depends on your body to be functioning...and it can't, that's even sadder.