Everything went right for the UConn Huskies in their march to the NCAA Tournament championship.
Things took a bad turn Saturday, however, as the Huskies participated in a victory parade in Hartford.
According to multiple reports, Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal fractured his femur in a freak accident during the event. The Democrat is expected to undergo surgery on Sunday.
News 12 Connecticut detailed that the senator said someone was taking video of him during the procession. They fell on him from behind, causing the injury.
The 77-year-old Blumenthal is serving his third term as U.S. Senator. A former U.S. Marine, he served 20 years as the state’s attorney general.
The freak injury to the senator aside, the Huskies seemed to enjoy their moment in the spotlight, as the program celebrated its fifth men’s basketball national championship, all of them coming since 1999. An estimated 45,000 people turned out to cheer on the players and coaches, who rode in a double-decker bus.
VICTORY PARADE 🏀 The UConn men's basketball team celebrated their NCAA championship win at a victory parade and rally. https://t.co/3RHhO54CWs pic.twitter.com/4kU4Dhe6aS
— News 12 Sports (@N12Sports) April 8, 2023
“I was up there with the players. Those guys were so moved by the love felt by all the fans,” said Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (via News 12.)
“We appreciate you all for everything. All the support, all the love, all the games here at Hartford XL. It’s been great,” UConn guard Andre Jackson Jr.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.