Posted on 05/19/2007 10:10:10 PM PDT by SmithL
MEMPHIS - State Sen. Ophelia Ford says a chronic health condition and eating problems caused her to fall from a bar stool at a Nashville hotel, while a 911 call recording indicates that she may have been intoxicated.
Ford, who was taken to a hospital Tuesday and kept overnight, told WMC-TV that she has been struggling with anemia and hasn't been eating well. She dismissed reports that she was intoxicated Tuesday night.
"I might have a glass of wine, but I'm sorry, that ain't true," she said. "My problem is blood related and not eating."
An employee at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel, where Ford was staying while in Nashville for the legislative session, called 911 and told dispatchers that a guest had fallen from a bar chair and needed medical attention.
When a dispatcher asked the employee if the guest needed an ambulance, the man responded, "she's extremely intoxicated, so I can't tell," according to a 911 recording released by Metro Nashville Office of Emergency Management & Emergency Communications Center.
The employee said the guest was breathing normally and alert but had landed on her neck and back when she fell.
Sheraton managers declined to comment on the incident.
Ford, 56, has missed much of this year's Senate session, which is expected to last until at least the end of May, and has said her problems with anemia have kept her from working.
One day before going to the hospital, Ford shocked lawmakers and observers with an off-topic tirade that lasted nearly two minutes in a committee meeting that was focused on the state Department of Children's Services.
Ford's brother, Shelby County Commissioner Joe Ford, said that her family is very concerned.
"I want to sit down and really talk to her and find out what the problem is," he said. "What I saw on TV wasn't the sister that I know and there are some concerns. I don't know what the problem is because I haven't spoken to her because she hasn't made it home yet."
Elected to the Senate in 2005, Ford replaced her brother, John Ford, who resigned after 30 years in the Legislature following his indictment on federal corruption charges.
Republicans in the Senate later nullified the election results because of voting irregularities and ousted Ophelia Ford, but voters returned her to the Senate in November.
I know. Sickening, isn’t it?
Yes, the Ford family goes way back.
My father was a main Street merchant in the 40s and 50s.
Even as a young boy, I remember him talking about them with their check kiting and rude behavior.
They were most noted because of obvious white inbreeding
somewhere down the line. Many of the Fords were referred to as high yellows.
Nice ebonics there.
“My problem is blood related and not eating.”
Blood related C2H5OH
I have a black friend from N.J., that was living in Memphis while her husband was stationed at Millington. She worked in a bank in mid-town. One day John Ford came in, and started making unreasonable demands from her. She balked, he said do you know who I am? she said, do you know who I am. I’m the one that determines what happens in this bank. Take your business elsewhere. My friend had no clue as to what influence that the Ford’s had. John was so taken back that he left without a word.
“My friend had no clue as to what influence that the Fords had.”
Thank God, junior did not get elected to the Senate.
It is OK if he is the new darling of Fox. I am in Europe and have not seen Fox in last 2 years. I get all the news I want from FR.
One of my favorite soups to have in a bar is made from a base of orange liqueur and lime juice. Add a dash or two of tequila, garnish with some salt and a lime slice and you have yourself one hearty soup.
Good to hear from you again!
I can not find one photo of her on google its like she is a ghost!
Biographical Information
Born: Memphis, Tn
B.S. Tennessee State University 1972
Fellowship Church of God in Christ
Notary Public
Certified Funeral Service Practitioner
Licensed Insurance Agent
thanks I could not fine one on google image!
I think she is having a breakdown or bi polar
She’s was weak from not eating....anemia...from being a alcoholic.
Watch the video link at number 12 above if you want to see how eloquent this lady is. It really is amazing...
i have been on insulin for about 20 years-low sugar is much worse than being drunk-it can be totally disorienting-luckily a can of soda will almost always straighten things out as long as you don’t pass out(very dangerous)-i drink some and alcohol can lower blood sugar and thereby potentiate the effect of insulin-beer and wine don’t because they have sugar in them,but straight whiskey can sure do it
"You got me, you caught "The Tater"..."
Who is the white guy/gal in the Ford family tree?
Oh, a bar is a place to go when you want soup? The old fashioned Western bars were noted for having free food for the drinkers and modern bars offers such tidbits as chips, pretzels, peanuts and occasional hot snacks, but soup is not on the menu as a bar offering, unless she was at a bar in a restaurant, then maybe she did go for the soup. OK, what kind of bar was it?
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