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May 2009
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Do you believe in miracles? I was recently told there are no "do-overs" in life. When opportunity knocks be prepared to answer the bell — you get the picture. For those in attendance of Saturday's afternoon Dallas Cowboys rookie camp practice and the collapsing of the team's 85-foot tension structure on them, the description of a "miracle" is by far an understatement. The time was approximately 3:30 p.m., Cowboys coaches, other team personnel, members of the media and other invited guests were in attendance for the afternoon rookie camp practice. I, for one, was thinking how grateful I was to be indoors, dry and out of harm's way of the expected heavy thunderstorms that were predicted to be rolling through the area.
Within 30 to 45 seconds of the lights swinging back and forth, I remember hearing nothing but the loud sound of crashing aluminum and steel falling to the ground, as well as the heavy tarp covering that it supported. I remember thinking for a split second this is going to be very bad. I thought for sure that I was about to be crushed by this falling building. And then — undoubtedly with the assistance of the man above — I was able to collect my thoughts and strategically make my way toward any outside opening that I could find. I remember pausing along the way to observe what and where things were falling. It was a massive onslaught of light fixtures and other debris peppering all of us from above. Somehow — I suppose instinctively — I continued to roll tape in my camera along my journey. After making my way I quickly found those players, coaches and anyone else standing began shouting names of individuals that they knew were in the facility before it collapsed. You could hear the call for the team trainers and assistance from anyone able to assist in lifting debris and freeing those who were trapped. I remember coach Wade Phillips in the midst of assisting staff members and players shouting, "Have the media people been accounted for?" At this point, it wasn't about tittles; everyone was trying to help everyone. Thank goodness someone had the fortitude to turn off the electricity, or there may have been a much different scene. It was also a hidden blessing that the entire team was not in attendance because — there is no doubt in my mind — there would have been so many so more injuries. Although no players were injured, newly hired special teams coach Joe DeCamillis suffered a broken vertebrae in his back and scouting assistant Rich Behm is reported to have suffered paralysis below the waist and remains in critical condition. Thank God for second chances! Editor's note: We have several related videos: • Here is AP's interview with Dale • Here's AP's raw video of the collapse • Here's AP talking about the collapse right after it happened • SLIDESHOW: Photos of the collapse 6 CommentsLeave a comment |
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Arnold,
This is an old friend from home. Glad that you are okay and what a horrific scene on Saturday afternoon. I was in Shreveport visiting family when I found out what was going on back here in Dallas. Thank God that you and the others are okay. I will keep those in prayer that were seriously injured. It's good to know that you are still doing what you love to do.
I wish the local reporting would include descriptions of just how localized and powerful North Texas weather is. The Microburst (as they are calling it) effected less than an 1/8 mile area.
Weather in other places in the US is much more widespread in its effect.
Example; trees on the side of the street of the
Cowboys pratice building were snapped, but trees just 15 feet away were fine.
GOD is great ! The man upstairs I am so glad to hear someone else in the media say this. God Bless you all each and everyone of you! I am so glad no one was killed. I am terrible sorry to here about the scout that was paralyzed!
Arnold,
I'm so glad you are safe. It was great seeing you on the news and the few clips on the website. Keep up the good work and may God watch over you always!
As a long-time former sports shooter/reporter, my heart rate shot up dramatically when I saw the raw video. I've always wondered about the ability of those buildings to stand up to weather. These types of facilities are all over the country, NFL and college, and further investigation may be warranted. I'm glad you're OK, Arnold...from a KTBS blast-from-the-past.
This was NOT a miracle. Anytime a person is injured like the scout was injured (paralyzed below the waist - FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE), it isn't a miracle. Now, if nobody was injured, I would say it could be considered one.