spursparker9
06-01-2015, 08:46 AM
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/visual/whatshot/053115_pop.jpg
June 3, 1970 meant something to him. He and 744 other cadets filed into Falcon Stadium, listened to Laird, prepared to become second lieutenants and waited for their own jets. Upon hearing the word “dismissed,” Popovich was amped to join tradition and throw his cap into the air.
But before he got an inch out of his seat, the cadet sitting next to him threw his own cap — directly into Popovich's right eye.
The caps have a metal eagle on them, and the insignia cut off a piece of Popovich's eyelid and sliced into his eye. He fell to the ground, holding his face, as blood began to flow.
In the celebration, no one noticed. “I was getting trampled,” Popovich said.
He laughed while he told the story Saturday, but mostly because it has been 45 years since it happened. At the time, Popovich feared he might lose the eye.
His fellow cadets hugged and smiled and partied. Popovich went straight to a hospital.
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25201022/gregg-popovich-nearly-lost-an-eye-at-his-air-force-graduation?FTAG=YHF7e3228e
June 3, 1970 meant something to him. He and 744 other cadets filed into Falcon Stadium, listened to Laird, prepared to become second lieutenants and waited for their own jets. Upon hearing the word “dismissed,” Popovich was amped to join tradition and throw his cap into the air.
But before he got an inch out of his seat, the cadet sitting next to him threw his own cap — directly into Popovich's right eye.
The caps have a metal eagle on them, and the insignia cut off a piece of Popovich's eyelid and sliced into his eye. He fell to the ground, holding his face, as blood began to flow.
In the celebration, no one noticed. “I was getting trampled,” Popovich said.
He laughed while he told the story Saturday, but mostly because it has been 45 years since it happened. At the time, Popovich feared he might lose the eye.
His fellow cadets hugged and smiled and partied. Popovich went straight to a hospital.
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25201022/gregg-popovich-nearly-lost-an-eye-at-his-air-force-graduation?FTAG=YHF7e3228e