Darn guy must have used the compression release foot lever as a brake lever. Easy enough to do as there is not positive stop on it.
It was broken at the bottom threads; the small link up top was bent 20 degrees. I fixed the bottom with a sleeve and silver braze. The top piece snapped when I straightened it. SO...out comes the torch again and another repair.
The bottom lever pivot was also missing the inner sleeve, so it was on "loose" so it would pivot.
Man....not real confidence inspiring.....