Jason Day's wife Ellie concussed but released from hospital
The Sydney Morning Herald
David Sygall
December 19,2015
The wife of Australian golfer Jason Day has been released from hospital with symptoms of concussion and bruises and bumps after basketball superstar LeBron James barrelled into her while she was sitting courtside with her husband at an NBA game.
Ellie Day was put on a stretcher in a neck brace at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, where James' Cleveland Cavaliers were hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder, after James hurled himself at a ball that was going out of bounds.
James flicked the ball back but could not stop his momentum from crashing into the courtside seating and Mrs Day bore the full brunt of his 203-centimetre, 113-kilogram frame.
Taken away on a stretcher: Ellie Day. Photo: TNT
"She is resting comfortably and appreciates all of those who have reached out and are concerned about her," the Days said in a statement.
"She wants to send a special thanks to her doctors, the emergency medical staff and the entire Cleveland Cavaliers organisation who helped her through this ordeal.
"Finally, no hard feelings towards LeBron. He was just doing his job. Go Cav's."
James told www.cleveland.com after the game that Mrs Day did not appear to be seriously injured after the incident.
"She squeezed my hand, said she was fine," James said.
"I think she was just a little weary. For me, obviously, her health is very important and hopefully she is doing well. The guys told me she's doing great now. For me, just going for a loose ball, tried to keep the possession going, I just hate that that was the end result."
James conveyed his best wishes to Mrs Day on Twitter.
"Ellie Day I hope you're doing okay! My apologies! Hope u guys come back to another games soon. Love LJ!" he tweeted.
Cavaliers head coach David Blatt said after the match James "made an honest attempt" at the basketball, suggesting the fault lay with the court-level seats.
"It's always concerned me, the sideline seats," he said.
"When you're talking about players of this speed and physicality and effort level, it's not a simple thing.
"The powers that be are the ones that really need to decide how to deal with that."
The incident happened with little over three minutes remaining in the match. James was said to be shaken afterwards and several Cavaliers players showed concern for Mrs Day as she was attended to by medical staff.