NAMES IN THE NEWS : Nixon Visits Paralytics Center

MIAMI — Football fan and former President Richard M. Nixon visited an old friend who’s running a center to help people suffering from paralysis.

Nixon spoke Thursday to patients at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, founded by former Dolphins linebacker Nick Buoniconti, a friend since 1972.

Buoniconti and his son, Marc, who was left a quadriplegic after being injured in 1985 during a college football game, were among those showing Nixon the state-of-the-art treatment facility.

“Sometimes all of us feel life’s a little tough,” Nixon said later. “We have some problems, disappointments. Whenever you get discouraged, you should think of these people. . . . It’s been an inspiration to me to go through this facility.”