Noise signee out for season

October 18, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Knoxville Noise News Release


The Knoxville Noise has lost the services of one of their original signees for the upcoming ABA season. Jason Harrell tore his ACL and has a partial tear of the MCL in his right knee and leg. The injury occurred during an attempt by Jason to rebound the ball in the Knoxville Noise Jackson Invitational Tournament. He fell awkwardly and his leg was bent backward causing the serious injury.

Noise CEO, Gavin Raiteri, had this to say about the loss of Jason to the team. "He was an important member of the team and we hate see this occur. Jason's injury and his brother Justin's (UT defensive lineman) is a tough blow for the Harrell family this year. We wish both of them a speedy recovery and hope to have Jason back on the court as soon as he is ready."

Although Jason is extremely disappointed about his season ending injury, he remains upbeat. "The Doctors found a previous tear that had not properly healed and after my surgery, they say my leg will be better than before. I plan to work hard rehabbing my leg and hope to be available by the time the team reaches the playoffs. I hope the city of Knoxville will continue its support of the Noise so that the team will be around next year when I am fully recovered."

Coach Gerald Oliver expressed his thoughts on the loss as well. "Jason was a vocal leader for the team. He plans to be there with us still giving his support from the sidelines and any other way he can contribute to the team. His tenacious defensive play and strong work on the boards will be missed by the team. He is a hard worker and I have no doubt he will make a full recovery."

Jason will have surgery next month. Dr. Keith Nord, of the Sport Orthopedics & Spine in Jackson, Tennessee, will perform the surgery. We wish to express our sincere appreciations to the entire staff of Sports and Orthopedics & Spine. Their personnel were there for the Noise at the tournament all three days. We were especially glad to have them available when Jason hurt came off the court hurt. SOS treated Jason at the tournament provided a brace at no charge and really cared about all the players. "What a wonderful group of people", says Raiteri.

Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.



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