AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — An American basketball player’s eye popped out of its socket after he was poked in the face while going for a rebound during a game in New Zealand.
Akil Mitchell, a 24-year-old former University of Virginia forward, was playing for the New Zealand Breakers in a game against Cairns on Thursday when the accident happened.
The game was stopped for 15 minutes while Mitchell was treated by medical officials, with his teammates left visibly upset by the incident. Cairns won the National Basketball League game 94-81.
On Friday, Mitchell said he had no vision impairment, but won’t be watching any videos of the incident.