Thor sustains concussion, resting comfortably after halftime promotional collision
May 10, 2005 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Lakeland ThunderBolts News Release
NOTE: John Ettinger, who performs as âThor' for the Lakeland ThunderBolts indoor professional football team was injured Sunday at the halftime of the game between Kissimmee and Lakeland. He is currently resting comfortably in his Winter Haven home and doctors expect a full recovery. Here's how the story unfolded:
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- Literally, it was a "Mother's Day Miracle" following the incident Sunday when the Lakeland ThunderBolts' mascot was seriously injured while performing in a halftime promotion at the Lakeland (Fla.) Center.
John Ettinger has been performing in costumes for more than 20 years. He's experienced in entertaining people of all ages. It was as the ThunderBolts' Thor that John sustained a severe concussion late Sunday afternoon.
The visiting Kissimmee Kreatures and the Lakeland teams of the National Indoor Football League had just exited the 'Ray Lewis Field' at the Lakeland Center for the 15-minute halftime.
Thor (Ettinger) was to stand at the back of the end zone for the first promotion which involved three male contestants. Participants were to place their foreheads on the top of a baseball bat, spin around (holding a football) and then attempt to find Thor and touch him in the end zone.
The first contestant, after stumbling in a dizzy state, found Thor and touched him. What happened to the second was not quite as gentle and the individual slammed into the back of Thor, snapping his head down on the top of the dasherboard.
"It was the left side of my face that really hit the top of the board," said Ettinger Tuesday, while resting at his home. "I remember getting spun around and then waking up in emergency (at the hospital)."
Team trainers and administrators brought him inside the ThunderBolts' bench area where he lay unconscious. Lakeland police called emergency services and fire department paramedics arrived within minutes.
While John was lying on floor, he did say, "Don't cut the costume," before his eyes rolled back and he went limp again. "I faintly remember saying that and then nothing'" he said.
Ettinger said they stripped him out of the costume in the ambulance. "There was some damage to the head where it hit the side of the boards," he added. "And one eye on the head is scratched."
In all the years Ettinger has been a mascot, he has never been seriously injured. "I've had some bumps, bruises and soreness, but nothing like this."
Before Thor, there was Hooty with the Miami Hooters of the Arena Football League, Bernie with the Miami Heat in the National Basketball Association and Stanley with the Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League.
Did you skate? "Of course and I never got hurt on the ice," John said.
After learning that Thor had been so well received and that many fans had called the ThunderBolts' office, Ettinger was pleased. "It really makes me feel good to have all that support. I can't tell you how much I appreciate them thinking of me."
Sunday, John had brought his 21-year-old daughter Kristin to escort him around the Lakeland Center.
Fans should not be disappointed because this coming Sunday, when the ThunderBolts entertain the San Angelo Stampede in a 4 p.m.game, Ettinger's son, John Jr., will take over as Thor.
"He'll do a good job," John said of the 17-year-old. "Heck, I'm on IR (Injured Reserve) and the doctors have told me I can't do anything for two weeks. No activity, just rest."
Ettinger, who also has done professional costumes during Christmas for the past 15 years, said he had just sold his deli "and I'll have the time to take off now. But, I'll be back."
#
For additional information about The Lakeland ThunderBolts, the NIFL, ticket purchasing information, or corporate sponsorship information, please visit our website at www.lakelandthunderbolts.com or call 863-687-8110. Additional information about the NIFL can be found at the league website, www.nationalindoorfootballleague.net or call 888-422-9682.
• Discuss this story on the National Indoor Football League message board...
National Indoor Football League Stories from May 10, 2005
- Top Teams Collide in NIFL Showdown - Everett Hawks
- NIFL game in Daytona Beach to be played as scheduled - Daytona Beach Hawgs
- Thor sustains concussion, resting comfortably after halftime promotional collision - Lakeland ThunderBolts
- Hammerheads put some Fite in the bite - Corpus Christi Hammerheads
- Warbirds' second-half burst buries Cincinnati, 63-30 - Dayton Bulldogs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
