Jones: 'I'm lucky ... God saved me for a reason'

By Stephen Tsai and Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writers

On Feb. 22, a chill descended on the Hawaiian Islands as one of the 50th state's most popular residents, University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones, fought for his life following a single-car accident on the H-1 Freeway near Honolulu International Airport.

The state waited, in collective prayer, as Jones underwent two two-hour surgeries, first to correct abdominal bleeding and then to repair a torn aorta. But Jones' condition improved quickly and, last week, he was released from the Queen's Medical Center.

Yesterday, in an interview with The Honolulu Advertiser, Jones, now 20 pounds lighter, spoke of his recovery from head and internal injuries, and the outpouring of sympathy that left him in tears.

Q. How are you feeling?

A. I'm feeling better every day. . . . I try to go to rehab every day. I have an elbow (injury) and stuff I have to work on. I have to get a lot stronger.

Q. Will you need any more surgery?

A. I'm done with all of that.

Q. How much pain are in?

A. I'm still pretty beat up. But every day it's getting better. I could have stayed in the hospital a little longer, but I wanted to get out.

Q. Why did you decide to leave so early?

A. I needed to get out of there mentally. I couldn't handle it. I was tired of the walls and the bed and the television. I had to get out.

Q. What's your daily schedule like?

A. I try to stay on a routine where I get the rehab stuff. I try to do exercises. I'm trying to get stronger.

Q. Did you ever think about how fortunate you are to have survived the crash?

A. I'm very lucky to, well, I know God saved me for a reason. I'm anxious to find out what the reason is. I didn't really know how close I was (to death) until a few weeks (after the accident), after the doctors told me.

Q. Did you see pictures of the accident scene?

A. I saw them on television the other night. I do not have any recollection at all of the accident.

Q. When you first came to Hawai'i more than 25 years ago as a player, did you ever think you'd have this much of an impact on so many people?

A. The outpouring and the showing of affection (have) been unbelievable. I would never have guessed it would have happened this way.

Q. How much contact have you had with the team?

A. I've been talking with the coaches and I try to stay up to date. I haven't watched any tape (of spring practice). When I get a little stronger, I'll get in some (viewing). Hopefully, I can watch some this week.

Q. Will you attend any practices?

A. I won't make any spring practices. ... I'll push myself really hard. In 30 days, I'll see what I can do.

Q. Will you be ready for training camp in August?

A. I'll be ready for sure.

Q. Your thoughts?

A. It's a miracle. I'm thankful that I get this chance to live the rest of my life (and) to live it the way I want to live it.

Q. How is your family doing?

A. My son is hard to keep up with right now. He runs me ragged. But I'm very grateful to spend time with my family. I'm very fortunate.