There’s physical play in basketball, and then there are just plays that don’t belong in the game. At all. What Florida’s Omar Payne did to Tennessee’s John Fulkerson would be firmly in the latter category.
The two were both boxing out for a potential rebound after a free throw when, all of a sudden, Payne delivered two elbows straight to Fulkerson’s head before getting back on defense.
It was absolutely awful. They weren’t tangled up or anything. There was no reason for Payne to do this. And now, Fulkerson is out for the rest of the SEC tournament after suffering a concussion and facial fractures from Payne’s elbows.
Omar Payne is ejected after using a pair of hard elbows on John Fulkerson.pic.twitter.com/djP88W3Jl9
— Sporting News (@sportingnews) March 12, 2021
Of course, Payne was ejected from the game after doing this. It was an awful decision and a huge mistake.
Fulkerson gave an update after the game on his condition and he seems to be in good spirits.
An update from Fulky: pic.twitter.com/okM6vYhUGV
— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) March 13, 2021
“First of all, I want to say how proud I am of my teammates for getting the job done today. It was a hgue win. And secondly, just to thank you all for the love and support you all have shown me over the last couple of hours. I’m doing good. I’m not sure of my status for tomorrow, but I know Tennessee is come ready to play.”
He’s even already forgiven Payne for the incident and is ready to move forward.
I know a lot of people are upset with what happened during yesterday’s game. Omar reached out to me this morning and was very remorseful. Everyone makes mistakes. Let’s all show grace and focus on today’s game. Go Vols!
— John Fulkerson (@fulkerson_john) March 13, 2021
That’s just incredible. Hopefully, he’ll be able to return to the court soon.
