Covering Ramon Ramos

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Covering Ramon Ramos

Written by wendell maxey

Sunday, 30 August 2009 23:47

ramon

Some of you may remember the story of Ramon Ramos – the Portland Trail Blazers rookie from 1989 who was seriously injured in a tragic car accident. Others have no idea.

His story is being featured today over at HOOPSWORLD in my recent series, “NBA Flashback” (The Ramos Accident).

The truth is, I’ve been sitting on this story for almost a year now - minus a couple failed interview attempts. I wanted to go back to that accident in ’89 and thanks to both Dwight Jaynes and Kerry Eggers, they took me there. The two worked the Blazers beat for the Oregonian during “Blazermania” but jogging their memories on Ramos wasn’t exactly easy.

It was nearly 20-years ago after all.

Curiosity pushed me into inquiring what it was like for a couple of beat writers to cover such a tragic event in a young players’ life.

“Here is a guy who was at his embryonic stage of his career and had it taken from him in a near fatal swoop,” said Eggers, who now writes for the Portland Tribune.

Five years after the accident, Eggers made a trip to Puerto Rico for a follow-up story on Ramon. Ramos was working out and shooting around some, but it was clear his equilibrium was still off. It was sad to see.

“He was at least going to be a guy who was going to be a rotation player for them. He was a lot like Mark Bryant (former Blazer who also played with Ramos at Seton Hall), very similar in many ways. Neither of them was going to be a great player, but Bryant lasted a long time in this league. I think Ramon had a chance of being the same kind of player.”

Jaynes remembers getting the call early that morning about the accident – someone from the team he guessed. Back then, Jaynes – who now produces Dwight Jaynes.com – was going to bed late and sleeping in after living life on the beat.

“I got a call in the morning and anytime the phone rings in the morning it is always bad news. At least it was for me at that time,” Jaynes started.

“I got a call and it was chilling and they said he was not doing well. They weren’t even sure if he was going to live. Almost immediately we knew his basketball career was over. It was just a question if he was ever going to walk again. Obviously there was a lot of damage done.”

This season, the Portland Trail Blazers celebrate their 40-year anniversary in the NBA and the season will have its share of memorable ceremonies with former players present to honor the franchise. But even heartache has a place in history.

It would be amazing if the organization would reach out to Ramon Ramos to bring him back to Portland even for one night when they praise the ’89-90 season.

It’s a part of team history everyone should remember.

pic via: soloblast

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Comments (7) Add Comment

Agree 100%
written by tssbro, August 31, 2009

Bringing him back as a part of that team would mean a lot for those of us who were following the team closely in that era. I have often wondered what ever became of him. The memory of the event is so vivid. To know he is alive and doing as well as can be expected is very encouraging. Thanks for reminding us that the NBA exists in real life and the players are above all human beings.

who knows
written by wmaxeyjr, September 01, 2009

figured you might see it that way....

i mean, who knows what the plans are for bringing back guys at this point. i've heard some talk. but knowing what ramon endured and how his time in portland was robbed from him, it would be fitting to see the blazers at lest extend the offer.

Love the History...
written by Can't Jump, September 02, 2009

Wow... that story sure takes me back. I remember seeing some interviews with Ramon after the accident. I believe they were a year or two later on a Blazer broadcast halftime show. It was so sad to see a life full of promise take such a detour. Glad to see from your story that He's made such a comeback.

Another Blazer comeback
written by Can't Jump, September 02, 2009

On the topic of other Blazer comebacks. I was curious if you have heard anything over the years about a Kermit Washington coaching comeback with the Blazers. I know from radio shows a few years back, he was very anxious to get back into the NBA as a coach, but couldn't get any love due to his punch of Tomjonavich. It seems all of the NBA wants him to stay away, but personally I'd live to see him on the coaching staff with the Blazers. He seems to have a real knowledge of the game, a desire to teach and I think with all of the humanitarian efforts he has participated in, he has completed his NBA penance. I would think an NBA team would be proud to bring him on staff.

good call
written by wmaxeyjr, September 03, 2009

hope many enjoyed the piece on ramon as much as i did writing it. such an interesting time in franchise history.....the good was coming in "blazermania", but the ramos heartache gets you thinking.

as for kermit, i'm not really sure. am interested to see myself. stay tuned....

the punch
written by wmaxeyjr, September 03, 2009

by the way, if you haven't read feinstein's book - "the punch" - about rudy t and kermit, go snag a copy. you'll read it in one night. i promise.

Ramon ramos
written by yazmin, May 12, 2010

hola pendejo ya me hyciste enojar como no me bas a creer si asta tu querias andar con migo malo

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