Paralyzed Discussion Question #1

Compare and contrast how Reggie felt about Nate's injury before and after the hospital visit.

This is the technique that Nate used to tackle Reggie.

Proper tackling technique.

Reggie was feeling like Nate’s injury wasn’t his fault before he went to the hospital, but after the visit he thought otherwise. Reggie plays varsity football at Lincoln High School and was in a game against Milbury. When Reggie got an interception, Nate Brown tackled him with his head down which is unsafe. Reggie got up and started to celebrate the great play when his tackler did not get up. When the ambulance showed up Nate was taken off the field on a stretcher. Reggie’s family and coach told him that Nate’s injury wasn’t anybody’s fault but Nate’s.Nate used an unsafe tackling technique which ultimately caused his injury. The way that he tackled Reggie led to swelling in the spinal column and temporary or permanent paralyzation. The day after the game Reggie was worrying about Nate so much that he went to the hospital to check on him. Nate’s mom was there and was furious with Reggie. When Reggie asks Nate’s mom how he’s doing she says, “This is the Intensive Care Unit. How the hell do you think he’s doing?” (34). Nate's mother was distraught and thought that Reggie caused the injury. After this experience Reggie doesn't know what to think. He starts to blame himself but everyone else besides Nate's mom tells him that it was not his fault.