http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/01/30/cal-admits-negligence-in-death-of-former-walk-on-ted-agu/

where do strength coaches and trainers come up with the "ideas" for these drills?

This is such a touchy subject as it is invariably race-related with the sickle cell trait. I'm not sure how programs should handle such an issue. Ban players with the trait from playing? From working out with the rest of team? Separate training with closer monitoring?

I don't know if medical science can provide the needed answers at the moment.

You are correct ma'am. However, the staff were informed of his condition and to be on the guard for distress which he obviously demonstrated.

quote:

---

You are correct ma'am. However, the staff were informed of his condition and to be on the guard for distress which he obviously demonstrated.

---

That's just it. What exactly does his medical "condition" require? If he requires that much monitoring, he shouldn't be on the team, should he?

Not being argumentative, nor supporting the school here, but going forward. How are programs going to address this genetic problem??

quote:

---

This is such a touchy subject as it is invariably race-related with the sickle cell trait. I'm not sure how programs should handle such an issue. Ban players with the trait from playing? From working out with the rest of team? Separate training with closer monitoring?

I don't know if medical science can provide the needed answers at the moment.

---

Ryan Clark had a fantastic pro career. Once his condition was discovered he didn't play when the steelers would be in Denver. It can easily be argued his absence was costly in the playoffs when Tebow threw an 80 yard walk off td to demaryus Thomas right where Clark would usually be as the deep safety in that defense. Oh well. Better safe than sorry

Clark and the Steelers both made sacrifices to monitor his activity and not risk him in potentially dangerous situations.

It can be done, but the program and the player both need to treat the condition seriously. That was the fatal flaw in this case. Seems the coaching/training start was negligent, and the kid didn't want to seemingly let his team down in workouts.

They can be on the team. But responsibility is key

quote:

---

quote:

---

This is such a touchy subject as it is invariably race-related with the sickle cell trait. I'm not sure how programs should handle such an issue. Ban players with the trait from playing? From working out with the rest of team? Separate training with closer monitoring?

I don't know if medical science can provide the needed answers at the moment.

---

Ryan Clark had a fantastic pro career. Once his condition was discovered he didn't play when the steelers would be in Denver. It can easily be argued his absence was costly in the playoffs when Tebow threw an 80 yard walk off td to demaryus Thomas right where Clark would usually be as the deep safety in that defense. Oh well. Better safe than sorry

Clark and the Steelers both made sacrifices to monitor his activity and not risk him in potentially dangerous situations.

It can be done, but the program and the player both need to treat the condition seriously. That was the fatal flaw in this case. Seems the coaching/training start was negligent, and the kid didn't want to seemingly let his team down in workouts.

They can be on the team. But responsibility is key

---

And you kind of proved my point. Injuries happen. This isn't an injury, it is a condition that affects the player's (highly compensated player) ability to play. That has to factor in somehow, in both the pros and college ball.

I am woefully ignorant on the percentages of those having sickle cell with this complication, genetically speaking.

when a player has this condition it seems like the trainer and strength coach should have him stick to weight lifting, aerobics, and running -- the basics. Not these weird group drills and so forth that push the boundaries

sounds like the kid had no business playing D1 football