"It wasn't severe," Russell said before batting practice. "It was just that he swallowed something and it wouldn't go down. You know how when there's swelling in that area and you can't get something down and need a drink? He just couldn't get it down. I think he's had this before -- not this severe, but he swallowed and it wouldn't go down."I hope the skipper was as uncomfortable saying those words as I was reading them.
When I read that story I couldn't help but think of that scene from Slap Shot where team announcer Jim Carr was interviewing Dave "Killer' Carlson. (Carr was based on real-life Johnstown sport's anchor Bill Wilson, all the way down to the bad toupee.)
Jim: With us in the press box is injured Chiefs defenceman, Dave Carlson. Dave, is it tough sitting here watching your team lose like this?
Dave: Definitely, Jim.
Jim: You injured your knee in a game.
Dave: No.
Jim: No? I thought you had.
Dave:No, I have a cold. You know, the runny nose and the sore throat. I went out in that storm there last week to start my car. I didn't have my jacket on. I think it's settled in my kidneys.
