It's a miracle - Robson Palermo expected to compete in Tulsa following frightening wreck in Dallas

By Keith Ryan Cartwright
Posted Thursday, June 26, 2008

It was nothing short of a miracle.

That’s the only explanation Pricilla Palermo had last night when she talked about the news that her husband, Robson, was cleared to keep riding after visiting Dr. Tandy Freeman yesterday morning.

“It’s a miracle,” she said. “God’s hand was helping him. There is no explanation for that – to just walk out of the arena. To think that nothing is broken it is just amazing.”

Robson was involved in what looked to be one of the worst wrecks in the 15-year history of the PBR.

The 27-year-old Brazilian was thrown forward in a head-to-head collision with Lucky Strike. Then, after being tossed several feet in the air, man and beast butted heads for a second time.

Miraculously, Robson was able to stand up afterwards and walk out of the arena with the assistance of the medical staff.

Luckily for Robson, the Dallas event was just a short trip from his home in nearby Bryan, Texas, and Monday morning Adriano Moraes was able to accompany him to his appointment with Dr. Freeman.

Robson underwent a series of X-rays and an MRI.

“Nothing is broken and everything is OK,” Pricilla said. “Even the shoulder, which was a problem, it is OK. It is not fixed yet, but he can handle this pain so he will keep riding.

“It will depend on him when he returns.

“We have some Challenger Tour events for July, and he’s not sure yet if he’ll be going to those events,” she continued, “but for Tulsa he’ll for sure be there.”

Robson tore cartilage in his shoulder a month ago in San Antonio when he landed on his elbow with his left shoulder (riding hand) extended. Having already missed a portion of the 2008 Built Ford Tough Series with a broken leg, he is reluctant to miss any more competition.

Although the injury may require surgery, Palermo, who is currently ranked 14th in the world standings, will wait until after the World Finals to decide on whether or not he will go ahead with the surgery or elect to see if it heals on its own with some rest during the off-season.

“If he does the surgery he will need to be out for three months,” Pricilla said. “We decided it would be better to wait until after the Finals and then maybe we’ll work on his shoulder.”

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