Recovering from shoulder injury, Reid easing out of sling

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Wednesday that he is easing out of the sling that has been a part of his wardrobe since he fell and dislocated his right shoulder two weeks ago.

Reid, 71, said he goes back to the doctor in two weeks but in the meantime is allowed to slip out of the sling when he is alone or around just a few people.

In crowds, Reid wears the sling for protection against his shoulder getting jostled. Plus, he said, "When I have my sling on, they tend to show me more pity."

Reid slipped May 4 while jogging in rainy weather near his home in Washington, D.C. Besides the dislocated shoulder, he suffered a bruise around his left eye that appeared to be clearing.