On crutches and with boots on both his feet, Maryland tackle Pete DeSouza hobbled into the dining hall at Gossett Team House on Tuesday to talk to the press for the first time since his on-campus moped accident nearly five weeks ago. DeSouza spoke of the nightmares he has had since the accident, the support he received from teammates and coaches, and his busy rehab, which includes one-hour sessions three times a day.
The 6-foot-6, 288-pound offensive tackle, who had been in the starting lineup for three weeks before the accident, suffered multiple fractures of both lower legs, which are now supported by rods.
“I’m starting to get a little bit of pain now, just because I’m putting weight on it,” said DeSouza, a Silver Spring resident and a graduate of DeMatha, who had never suffered a broken bone of any kind.
| UP NEXT | |
| No. 21 N.C. State at Maryland | |
| When » Saturday, 3:30 p.m. | |
| Where » Byrd Stadium, College Park | |
| TV » ESPN2 | |
| Radio » 980 AM | |
| With a win, North Carolina State (8-3, 5-2) would capture the ACC Atlantic division and advance to the conference title game for the first time. If Maryland (7-4, 4-3) wins, Florida State (8-3, 6-2) claims the division. | |
Recalling the accident, DeSouza spoke matter-of-factly. He didn’t lose consciousness. The book bag on his back cushioned his impact with the pavement. He remembers the first man on the scene telling him to calm down and that help was on the way.
“I looked down at my feet and I knew I was done for the season,” he said.
DeSouza only grew emotional when talking about re-visiting the scene of the accident, which occurred as he was traveling west on Campus Drive, near Cole Field House, when a car turned left into his path.
“Sometimes [I] gotta go that way. Usually I just keep my head down,” DeSouza said. “The first day that I did, it really got to me. Ever since then I really don’t look at it.”
DeSouza said he expects to be back for spring practice, a timetable that coach Ralph Friedgen doubts.
“I don’t see how that’s possible,” Friedgen said. “They told him he wouldn’t be able to put any weight on that left leg for three months. He’s already got weight on that leg, so a lot of our prayers have been answered.”
DeSouza doesn’t discount the possibility of coming back better than before his injury.
“There should be no limitations,” DeSouza said. “They said actually my legs should be stronger than before. A lot of people I’ve talked to that have rods, they say they’re a lot quicker.”
DeSouza mentioned the support of senior running back Da’Rel Scott. He also got a laugh from fellow offensive lineman Bennett Fulper, who gave him a Hallmark card with the picture of a bedpan.
In turn, according to Friedgen, the team has been inspired by DeSouza’s presence at the team house and his positive outlook.
“If his spirit has anything to do with his recovery, I think he’ll be back as fast as humanly possible,” Friedgen said.
