BY STEVE KUBITZA

One of the most gruesome injuries ever seen in sports occurred on Sunday in Louisville’s game against Duke in the Elite Eight of the March Madness men’s tournament.

With just over 6:30 left in the first half, Louisville’s Kevin Ware went to block a three-point shot. When he landed, his right leg seemed to buckle under him. That was until his shin was seen sticking out of the skin, with the rest of his leg hanging from the shinbone.

It was a gruesome injury in which the severity was not exactly realized at first glance for viewers. It was clear from the reaction of the players on the floor, and on Louisville’s bench, something serious had happened.

TV networks often show replays of injuries and warn viewers if the injury is too graphic.

But, after one replay, it was evident this injury was far too catastrophic to keep replaying. One more replay was shown and then the focus was shifted to the reaction of the players and fans in attendance.

Criticism may be thrown CBS’s way for showing replays of the injury, but that is not something out of the ordinary. Replays are always shown as, unfortunately, people want to see a devastating injury when it happens.

CBS handled the fallout of the injury professionally. They could have cut to commercial, but they kept viewers informed on the situation and let the emotion in the arena be felt.