Controversial Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh reportedly saved portly comic Louie Anderson from a potential drowning during the filming of a new reality competition show.
The near-downing swimming pool incident for which Suh saved Anderson occurred during the shooting of the new ABC show Splash , which was formerly called Celebrity Diving . Like many reality offerings, Splash is a British import. The American version premiers on Tuesday, March 19.
TMZ reports that Anderson, 59, could have drowned as a result of reaching the point of exhaustion during practice:
“Sources close to the production tell TMZ , Louie — who’s a contestant on the show — was practicing his dives on Wednesday when he became a little too bushed to pull himself up the ladder… falling back into the water again and again.
“We’re told Louie eventually had to be rescued by Suh and divemaster Greg Louganis — who physically lifted the foundering funnyman to the poolside. Louie then sat coughing up water for several seconds.”
Louie Anderson, the host of Family Feud from 1999 to 2002, is reported to be fine, fortunately.
As USA Today notes about the Anderson near-drowning incident, “Ndamukong Suh’s episode of Celebrity Diving hasn’t aired yet, but the Detroit Lions defensive tackle already is making waves.”
The Pioneer Press descries the new reality series as follows: “Celebrities will train with Olympic diver Greg Louganis before taking on 10-meter high dives, synchronized stunts and other challenges that increase in difficulty each week.”
Among the 10 celebrities competing on the show include Miss Alabama and Brent Musburger favorite Katherine Webb.
Were you aware that a new reality show called Splash was on the TV schedule?
[Image credit: Mike Morbeck ]