Dirteater likely out for a year
Dislocated kneecap, torn ACL, MCL and PCL will take time and surgery to heal
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (October 19, 2009) - For Ryan Dirteater, the next 12 months are about patience.
That’s what it will take for Dirteater to come back from his latest injury.
Dirteater dislocated his left knee cap and tore his ACL, MCL and PCL during the third round of the Mohegan Sun Invitational, when his left leg got hung up in his rope on the dismount after making a qualified ride.
The 20-year-old spent Monday flying home to Oklahoma, where he’ll remain off his feet until next Tuesday. He’ll then travel to Dallas for the first in a series of surgeries that will be performed by Dr. Tandy Freeman.
The decision to wait a week will give the knee time to heal enough to hold water, which will make the arthroscopic surgery easier to perform. According Dirteater’s agent Darren Epstein, Dr. Freeman also recommended “that we fix the knee ligaments in stages to avoid problems of stiffness later on.”
Although he’ll have to continue keeping his knee immobile and “it will takes months” before he can even begin intensive rehabilitation, Dirteater hopes to be back on his feet within a few weeks. However, it is expected to be at least nine months, if not an entire year, before Dirteater can even begin to think about getting on a bull.
“Overall, this injury is much more severe than the broken femur he sustained early in the season,” wrote Epstein, in an email.
The good news is that no major arteries or nerves were severed in the wreck. And though it matters little in the grand scheme, Dirteater’s score of 87 on Country Boy was enough to win the round.
Earlier this year, Dirteater won the first Built Ford Tough Series event of his young and burgeoning career at a three-day event in Dallas.
“He’s a tough kid that has been through an awful lot in his first full year on the BFTS,” wrote Epstein. As previously mentioned, Dirteater broke his right femur at an event in Tacoma, Wash.
“We all will be praying for him to make a full recovery and have the patience and strength to get through this.”Fans and friends are encouraged to leave their messages of support at http://www.pbrnow.com/ryandirteater.
NEWS and NOTES
Road to Vegas: All roads are leading to Las Vegas! At this time of the season, the PBR is all about the World Finals, which is Oct. 30 through Nov. 8. Call 866-PBR-SHOW for ticket information or log onto www.unlvtickets.com to order your tickets for what will be one of the tightest finishes for the world title.
Winter reading program: The PBR has released a new 176-page hardcover coffee table book, “The Official Guide to the Toughest Sport on Earth,” this month through Triumph Books.
The book is available wherever books are sold. It retails for $29.95, and will available at all PBR merchandise stands throughout the upcoming World Finals.
In fact, plans are in place for an official book launch signing featuring Flint Rasmussen. Other signings are also in the works with various bull riders competing at this year’s Finals. The book, which is illustrated with 211 full-color photos, was authored by Jeff Johnstone and Keith Ryan Cartwright. Ty Murray wrote the forward.
—by Keith Ryan Cartwright
49 Comments
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Hey Ryan, I miss seeing you ride, I hope you are doing well. Hope to see you back out there soon!
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bullgirl104
December 10, 2009Ryan You are an inspiration too all of us. I too have a medical condition that I will struggle with for the rest of my life. I am a young stock contractor and I loved it when you rode a bull. Your bow hunting pose is genius. Do you hunt deer? I shot my 1st deer this year. Got a nice 3 point at 350 yards I was so happy but while we were walking back to get the truck it got up and ran away! We found out later that a mountain lion had finished him off! Love you Ryan, You are in my prayers. -
petunia
October 25, 2009Ryan
Get well soon. I will miss seeing you at the finals.
It will be sad not seeing you next year shooting your arrow at flint.
You are on of my favorite bullriders.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Take care of your self.
Patty Koenig
Portland OR -
grannyred
October 25, 2009Ryan, My husband and I have become big fans and enjoy watching you ride. You are in our
prayers. We are looking forward to seeing you next season and watching you shine. -
sandyeaton
October 24, 2009Ryan, You have a difficult journey ahead of you recovering from this injury but you never seemed to want to take the easy road anyway did you. By the time Dr Tany gets all his screws and nuts and bolt in that knee and wires it up with his baling wire and adds a little chicken wire you will be better than EVER. Watch a lot of your old tapes, enjoy some time at home , do your rehab, and we know you'll be Back Better than Ever Before you know it!!! Your Fans will be here waiting for Ya! -
Nosydam
October 24, 2009Ryan, you are one of the most amazing men in the world, Your strong, your heart and soul are strong and YOU WILLBE BACK.. I talked to you in San Antonio and you were so opptomistic about this finals, next year is your year Just take all the time it takes to heal and get your strength back cause no matter how long it takes you are amazing rider, human being and person.. Just stay tough, listen to the Drs and dont push yourself too fast too soon. May God Bless you and your family during your trials. -
justis24
October 24, 2009Ryan, we were there on Sunday afternoon and I had tears in my eyes watching the pain on your face. Please keep the lord in your heart and know that he is with you. So many are praying for you and pulling for you. You will come back stronger than ever and with talent like yours, you WILL be a champion one day. God bless.. -
buffalowoman
October 24, 2009Ryan my cousin
Been there, done that, ain't NO fun. Listen to Dr. Tandy and get well as realistically and
as soon as you can. I was watching when you broke your femur and i saw you wreak your knee
and I'll be watching when you start riding again. So you take care of yourself and know we
are sending prayers for you.
Hang in there, Kiddo. -
Carolyn
October 22, 2009Ryan
While watching you ride this last weekend, I was so shocked and scared for you. But as others
have said, you are one of the best. You really showed it while they were carrying you out.
Acknowledging the crowd as well as saying, don't worry I'll be back and back you will. In the
mean time, take care, heal physically and spiritually. My prayers are with you. God Bless
You!
Carolyn in Nebraska -
maiaku1
October 22, 2009Ryan,
On Sunday my daughter and I were watching your ride and saying how proud we were of your
ride and how you came back from your previous injury so well. So were so shocked to see you
get caught up with the bull. We want you to know that you have very faithful fans who will be
here when you return. Just take your time and know that we are all rooting for you. Won't kid
you, its going to be a tough road but I know you have the inner strength and believe me
judging from all your fans you will have alot of support. Go Cowboy Nation!!! We are very
proud of you Ryan. Keep smiling!!! -
maiaku1
October 22, 2009Ryan,
On Sunday my daughter and I were watching your ride and saying how proud we were of your
ride and how you came back from your previous injury so well. So were so shocked to see you
get caught up with the bull. We want you to know that you have very faithful fans who will be
here when you return. Just take your time and know that we are all rooting for you. Won't kid
you, its going to be a tough road but I know you have the inner strength and believe me
judging from all your fans you will have alot of support. Go Cowboy Nation!!! We are very
proud of you Ryan. Keep smiling!!! -
ladywrangler
October 22, 2009By the looks of all the comments, Ryan, you have lots of fans out there...we'll all be waiting for your return...they"ve all said what I feel, so 'ditto' them. We will be here waiting for your return. Lift your spirits to the sky and praise the great father, you will heal. -
ladywrangler
October 22, 2009By the looks of all the comments, Ryan, you have lots of fans out there...we'll all be waiting for your return...they"ve all said what I feel, so 'ditto' them. We will be here waiting for your return. Lift your spirits to the sky and praise the great father, you will heal. -
Cj Sulli
October 22, 2009Hey Ryan, I was there at Mohegan Sun when you got hurt and you have been in my thoughts and prayers since then. I am glad whats wrong can be fixed and look forward to seeing you ride again. I will continue to have good thoughts for you throughout your surgeries and recovery, I wish you lots of luck, love and success! Keep us informed of your progress as you know all of us fans feel love for you guys and want to know that you are getting better. Much love, Cj -
TNcwgrl
October 22, 2009Praying for Ryan Dirteater and for local bullfighter Cody Hollbrook who had a similar injury last Saturday night with an added two breaks in his tibia.Cody will be down for a year too. -
KarelC
October 22, 2009to Chazr344
What we as spectators witnessed and heard DOES NOT take away a true cowboy's pride. That shows us that he is as human as you and me! It shows he's a real man. Ryan knows pride and he has enough to go around and then some. Yeah, real men DO cry! It's not disrespectful of those moments being shown because the riders know it will be, they know what can happen when the gate opens. And, they know that if something bad happens, everyone will fall silent and wait to hear what is going on. We want to know. Not out of 'sicko' but respect for the rider. So we can show him our support. Did you even notice what Ryan did as he was being carried out? He pointed his finger up. I don't think he was only acknowledging the crowds applause, I think he was thanking Creator and Mother Earth and Grandfather Sky for watching over him and this only being an injury. The main thing is...he's alive to ride again. And ride Ryan will do. Maybe not until 2011, but when he comes back, he'll come back with a greater conviction to succeed and a greater respect for the men who built the PBR and an even greater respect for the bulls. He'll study them and he'll know them in a way you, as a rider, will never know or understand a bull, especially the rank ones.
So, Ryan, when you are 100%, your fans will be here. We'll be here even while you're getting to 100%. You have earned my respect in a way I didn't even know was possible. Thank you for the lesson, Ryan. Get well. -
Harry Travis
October 22, 2009Ryan,
I am so sorry for your new injury, I know you are broken hearted that you can't participate in the finals but you are young and strong and have lots of years to go. Just be patient and listen to Dr Tandy and don't rush it or you could even do more damage.
I will definalely be praying for a speedy recovery. -
KarelC
October 22, 2009Ryan, Just know that I am behind you and will ask Creator to be with you through your surgeries and, when you're ready, the extensive rehab. I wish I could put it like Martha from Richmond did, but I echo her sentiments.
Hang in there, Ryan. Please, listen to Dr Tandy. He knows what's best for you at this time. Your big advantage is, you're young and have many years to WOW us at the BFTS events.
Prayers going up on smoke for you. -
Harry Travis
October 22, 2009Ryan,
I am so sorry for your new injury, I know you are broken hearted that you can't participate in the finals but you are young and strong and have lots of years to go. Just be patient and listen to Dr Tandy and don't rush it or you could even more damage.
I will definalely be praying for a speedy recovery. -
phil_com
October 22, 2009we can't see the program now because of the problems with versus, direct or whoever and didn't know about your wreck, we pray for you and others daily so we are concerned and we will continue to pray, we believe in miracles as we know you do also. will continure to pray. hang in there.. -
?????????
October 21, 2009mcclemen
what native tongue is that?,..Dirteater from your tribe?,.. -
mcclemen
October 21, 2009Yigaquu osaniyu adanvto adadoligi nigohilvi nasquv utloyasdi nihi
May the Great Spirit's Blessings Always Be With You
Ryan, take care and let yourself heal real good before you get on another bull!
Martha
Richmond, Virginia -
Richmond VA Fan
October 21, 2009Yigaquu osaniyu adanvto adadoligi nigohilvi nasquv utloyasdi nihi
May the Great Spirit's Blessings Always Be With You
Ryan, take care and let yourself heal real good before you get on another bull!
Martha
Richmond, Virginia -
#1RYANDIRTEATERfan
October 21, 2009I CANT BELIEVE RYAN GOT HURT AGAIN!!!!!! IM TORN THAT HE WONT BE GOIN 2 THE WORLD FINALS!! IT BREAKS MY HEART TO SEE HIM GETTIN HURT!! I WAS BAWLIN MY EYES OUT! WHAT MADE IT WORSE WAS THAT HE WAS CRYIN! I REALLY WISH HIM WELL!! IT DONT MATTER THAT UR HURT U R STILL A WINNER TO ME!!!! I CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU NEXT SEASON! I WILL BE GOIN TO AN EVENT NEXT SEASON! YAY! I WISH U WELL! :)
YOURE BIGGEST FAN
MEGAN, NW INDIANA -
CattleCall09
October 21, 2009Ryan, I wish you the best of luck. Its always hard to see you hurt but I hope and know you'll come back from this stronger than ever. I'll be waiting and cheering for the day you come back to the BFTS. Best of luck to you! You are in our prayers. -
mommahensley2003
October 21, 2009I know it is a rough sport but it breaks my heart to see a kid hurt like he is hurting. My thoughts and prayers are with Ryan and his family. -
chazr344
October 21, 2009like i said i think that takes away pride when millions of people see you u in extreme pain
.. riders deserve some respect and i think that is disrespectful. as a rider i know wwhat is
like to get hurt in the arena happened too many times to even count i would not want millions of people listening to me on the ground when medics are talking to me... im not taking anything away
from ryan because i know how tough it is too come back from injuries hes tough and i hope he
goes along way in his career cause he has so much potential.. obviously cause hes top 40. the kid can ride! -
pbrfan??
October 20, 2009chazr344
You know why it's call,"TOUGHEST SPORT ON DIRT", right?,.. well we as fan hurt with the riders and of couse it sometimes seems nasty and bad but thing is they(the riders)know what's at hand, and with that crew have to show what happened and what the situation is,.. Riders know that this is no sissy game,.. and do what they love and do it with pride. -
Young12BullRider09
October 20, 2009Ryan get better soon.It must of hurt getting stuck on the rope with your spurs, get well cuz we
will miss you.And keep riding like a cowboy! -
chazr344
October 20, 2009pbr please stop airing the cowboys when there hurt and can hear them yelling and screaming
in pain. i know you want to show everything but as a bullrider i would not like the whole world
listening to me crying. and i think the bullriders deserve respect. i think that takes away some pride when that kinda crap is shown for millions of eyes. dirteater weve been at a few deals together hope you keep ridin bud ur a hand! -
chazr344
October 20, 2009pbr please stop airing the cowboys when there hurt and can hear them yelling and screaming
in pain. i know you want to show everything but as a bullrider i would not like the whole world
listening to me crying. and i think the bullriders deserve respect. i think that takes away some pride when that kinda crap is shown for millions of eyes. dirteater weve been at a few deals together hope you keep ridin bud ur a hand! -
coolest46
October 20, 2009What an awful wreck. I have to admit that I was crying and praying just watching the intense
pain Ryan was in. He is such a great kid, my heart just went out to him.
Get well Ryan my prayers are with you on you recovery. Keep your chin up. -
louisiana fan
October 20, 2009That was terrifying! I know he was in a lot of pain and will be, my hope and prayers are
for him, that he'll lean on the Rock during this time of healing.
This was bad enough but as always it could have been even worse. Hold on Ryan, you'll see another day, just rest and mend for now. -
SkyHighNat
October 20, 2009It was with horror that I watched your spur hang up and drag you. You are in my prayers nightly.
I ask for patience and freedom from pain for you. Take care and I hope to see you ride again
in the future. -
calhr60
October 20, 2009Get well soon Ryan, I pray for a speedy recovery and hope everything goes well for you during those difficult months. -
bartelsls
October 20, 2009My heart sank when i saw poor ryan dirteater, laying there. It ssure brought tears to my
eyes. What a fine youn man.His family and the cherokee nation will get him through this
and so will all his pbr fans. God Bless you ryan and please take care.
Your Pbr fan sandy -
atz75
October 20, 2009This really was a terrible, terrible wreck... so difficult to watch during the broadcast.
Poor Ryan, I can't believe his bad luck with injuries this year. Sending along best wishes for a good and speedy recovery. -
jason_c_adam
October 20, 2009What a sickening feeling to see and hear Ryan hurt again. Bullriding injuries are always tough to watch, but hearing Ryan in pain was the worst. I felt so incredibly bad for him. We will be keeping Ryan in our prayers and know that he will be back again. -
BullGal
October 20, 2009I got choked up when I watched to replay in slow-motion. Yes, Ryan is a terrific rider with a great future. But more importantly he is such a good, sincere kid. Heartbreaking to see him in such pain.
Ryan, just remember – God never gives us more than we can handle. Keep the faith and God Bless. -
davidson
October 20, 2009Ryan, I am so sorry about your injury. Hang tough, you will get through it. You are in my
prayers. Do what the doctor says, you have probably the best doctor in the world. Keep us
informed of your status. Get better soon. -
i love pbr
October 20, 2009sorry about the wreck it broke my heart to see you hurt like that hope that you make a speed
recovery and can make it back to the next event and you are very strong after all you have been
through and you are one of my favorite riders in the bulit tough ford series -
cactus-sue
October 20, 2009Ryan, I am so sorry that you must endure this trial. My husband and I are praying for you, and a full, speedy recovery. We were at Mohegan Sun to witness this and my heart just broke for you. You are a strong warrior and I pray you keep your focus on God and let His power heal you so you can go forward. Blessings,
Susan & Paul -
wojo62
October 20, 2009Ryan, you are one of my fave riders. Seeing you hurt like that just tore at my heart. I was so hoping to see a good show from you at the finals but things don't always go they way you want them to. I hope you heal up fast, my thoughts a nd prayers are with you. Can't wait until you are riding again. -
ford girl
October 19, 2009OMG i'm so sorry Ryan i feel so bad and i was so worried that i almost cried myself to sleep.i will prayfor you and will keep you in my thoughts! get better quick! Jean -
babber
October 19, 2009Ryan
there r no words to express the sadness we feel due to your injury.....Keep the FAITH Ryan... you r young,strong and patience will pull u through....no,not an easy task but we know u can do it...
We will count the days until u can return to the PBR and once again thrill us with your riding ....
May God Bless and keep u on the road to recovery..
We will miss u -
silcox4525
October 19, 2009Ryan not much anyone can say other than you are in the midst of God's grace and mercy as well as being surrounded by the best of family and friends...that will sustain you. I will be looking for you at the finals and want to give you a big "MOM" hug, see your smile and hear your infectious laugh. I've met your traveling buddy Austin and even though he is not much older than you he is the person who will get you thru this mentally. In the meantime there is so much you have to offer this sport even though it will be sometime before you ride again. -
pbrvegas77
October 19, 2009Prayer for a GOD's healing, fast recovery, and he's only 20 yrs. old,..makes for a speedy healing and he'll be back in 6,7 months,......GOD Bless Ryan, keep you and family in our prayer. -
bheisse
October 19, 2009Best wishes, Ryan. Tough stuff, but you'll be back. -
beccad5
October 19, 2009I can't imagine what you're going through, but I wanted to let you know I'll be praying for a steady recovery and hope everything goes well for you during these upcoming difficult months. With your family, friends and Dr. Tandy, I know you'll be back in no time!
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February 6, 2010