WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- A "Wheel of Fortune" winner says he suffered serious back injuries when the ebullient host, Pat Sajak, enveloped him in a congratulatory bear hug.
Will Wright, 38, filed a $2 million lawsuit in Washington D.C. federal court this week against Sony Pictures Entertainment, the television show's producers, the Washington Post reported Saturday.
Wright had just won $48,400 in the October 2000 broadcast from Constitution Hall, when Sajak jumped on him, he told the Post.
"I stick out my hand thinking he's going to shake it," Wright told the newspaper. "Instead, he jumps onto me, with his legs and arms ... . All I remember thinking was: 'This is Pat Sajak. Don't drop Pat Sajak.'"
Since then, the 5-foot-7, 153-pound father of two has had back surgery and months of pain and rehabilitation, he said.
Neither Sony or Sajak would comment on the suit, the Post said.
