Raptors' Ford taken off court on stretcher after flagrant foul

Updated: December 11, 2007, 9:43 PM ET

Associated Press

ATLANTA -- Toronto Raptors guard T.J. Ford was taken off the court on a stretcher following a hard foul late in Tuesday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Ford

Atlanta rookie Al Horford was ejected following the flagrant foul with 1:32 left in the game.

Ford, who had 26 points, was headed toward a breakaway basket when Horford hit the guard's face with his hand. Ford landed hard, with his head bouncing off the floor.

There was immediate concern because Ford missed the 2004-05 season following neck surgery.

Toronto coach Sam Mitchell reacted with anger following the foul and soon the Raptors players huddled in prayer. Mitchell stood and watched as medical personnel secured Ford to a stretcher.