VIDEO: Harlem Globetrotter Nearly Crushed By Collapsing Hoop
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Harlem Globetrotters' high-flying act took a scary turn during a recent show in Honduras.
And it was all captured on video.
Cheers turned to screams during the Globetrotters' tour of Central America as William "Bull" Bullard was nearly crushed by the backboard, which couldn't support his weight following an alley-oop dunk.
"Bull's dunk in Honduras was a very scary moment that fortunately had a happy ending," the Globetrotters said in a statement. "Time stood still for everyone that witnessed the hoop collapse. When Bull walked off under his own power – while riling up the crowd in true 'Bull fashion' – a massive relief came over the entire team and the fans in the crowd."
Bullard issued the following statement Wednesday:
"As a member of the Harlem Globetrotters, I've stood on backboards and rims and dunked in arenas all over the world, and I've done that same dunk hundreds of times, but this was certainly a first for me. It was really scary, because all I could do when the basket started to collapse was hang on for dear life. My heart was racing, and I was almost in shock when the backboard shattered when I hit the floor. "
"Thank goodness for the quick action of my coach, trainer and teammates coming to my aid. We are a tight-knit family, and we always take care of each other. Even though it was frightening, this will not stop me and my teammates from doing fun, unique and acrobatic tricks to entertain fans around the globe. One of the cool facets of the Globetrotters is that you never know what you are going to see at a show, so you need to come and check us out live and in person. The Trick Shot Challenge is one of the new rules on our 2014 "Fans Rule" World Tour, but that is a trick shot that I don't plan on repeating again."
The Globetrotters will make multiple stops in the Tri-State area during their North American tour early next year.
"Fortunately, we expect the NBA hoops at Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, and the other New York area arenas will handle Bull's dunks when the Globetrotters come to NYC in February," the team said.
Off the court, the 6-foot-4, 217-pound Bullard has gained some name recognition for his performance on the obstacle-course show "American Ninja Warrior." He also tried out for the New York Jets in 2008.
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