cable popping out of drive linkage
 

Can any one tell why the shift cable is popping out of the linkage? I HAVE A 98 35 FOUNTAIN WITH 525"S AND SHIFTS REALLY EASY... wELL THIS PAST WEEKEND THE PORT SIDE GOT STUCK IN FORWARD GEAR. I ASSUMED I BROKE THE CABLE FROM THE SHIFT PLATE TO THE OUTDRIVE, EVEN THOUGH IT WENT IN GEAR EASY AS USUAUL. I TOOK THE OUTDRIVE OFF AND THE CABLE END " WHICH DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE WORN" WAS OUT OF THE LINKAGE. I BENT THE TOP LINKAGE DOWN A BIT TO HELP HOLD THE END IN, THINKING THAT WOULD HELP. SHIFTED IT SEVERAL TIMES IN THE DRIVEWAY ON THE HOSE AND FORWARD AND REVERSE WERE FINE. TOOK IT TO THE WATER ONE FINGER TO PUT IT IN FORWARD AND PULLEDIT BACK, STUCK AGAIN. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING. CAN ANYONE HELP ME? THANKS