Every parent's worst nightmare

My heart goes out to the family of this boy and to all involved.

My thoughts are with the family.
During practice before the high school season started here in Louisville, a player died on a very hot day. That is being investigated.
Last year, our older grandson lay on the ground in the middle of the football field as they stabilized him and waited for ambulance. They took precautions and he is fine. But when it first happened and he was lying there, you see it from the stands, when they walk away and you realize not only is there someone lying there, it is son or grandson....(He's playing at Ky Wesleyan this year.)

If I had a son, I would not have football on my approved sports list. The game is more violent then ever given the size and speed of the kids.

As the level of competetivness rises so does the size of the participants. Also the protective gear worn is redesigned to eliminate injury. It is a freak accident and tragic but to comdem the sport is just not right. I played football in high school and was severly injured senior year but when my boys asked if they could play it was their decision. I informed them of the risks and let them make up their own minds. 1 of 3 decided to play and he only lasted 1 year. They all moved on to basketball. I can't count the number of ankle injuries and bumps and bruises but that is all a part of growing up. My prayers go out to the family of the boy but also to the other 2 families because they are still around to live with it.

For Seagrovegirl

If I had a son, I would not have football on my approved sports list. The game is more violent then ever given the size and speed of the kids.

Ditto here. I'm just glad we didn't have to make that decision and happy that the boy chose music instead - - besides the fact that he will be able to play music for as long as he lives. Football, no.

I have to admit, we are big SEC football fans, and also appreciate high school football. But when it came time for my own son to play, let's just say my feelings changed considerably.

There are many rules in place to reduce the likelihood of this type of outcome. I'm convinced the vast majority of coaches teach their teams how to hit cleanly and properly, and the amount of protection for players has been improved also. I remember reading a story a year or two ago of a young basedall player killed when a pitch hit him in the chest and stopped his heart. All sports entail some level of risk. I do agree, of course, that football by its nature is a violent sport. But I just recently read that the worst sport for injury is. . . .cheerleading!! Being thrown from the top of a human pyramid has its risks also.

None of this does anything to diminish the pain of that poor boy's parents. My heart is with them, and I pray for their comfort.

My step-daughter cheers for Surfside and Elite and I worry about her sustaining an injury she can't recover from or worse. She has already fractured her shoulder. I will do my very best to steer my youngest daughter away from this sport. My thoughts and prayers are with this poor family.

For Seagrovegirl

Do you have a question???

I hesitate to post this because it is unsubstantiated, but I heard that the two boys from the opposing team who made the tackle have quit the team. If this is true, the tragedy is multiplied. Though football has its risks, it is the path to college for many young athletes who might not otherwise have the opportunity. This is a close-knit community, and I know it will support these two young men in what must be an extremely hard time for them and their families, as well.

Such a tragedy all around.

I hesitate to post this because it is unsubstantiated, but I heard that the two boys from the opposing team who made the tackle have quit the team. If this is true, the tragedy is multiplied. Though football has its risks, it is the path to college for many young athletes who might not otherwise have the opportunity. This is a close-knit community, and I know it will support these two young men in what must be an extremely hard time for them and their families, as well.

Such a tragedy all around.

I've been thinking about this accident all week and again as I sat at our high school's football game last night. How the lives of these 2 boys have forever changed. It is unimaginable.
.

The parent's of this young man come into Chan's for dinner frequently. Yesterday they launched a Scholarship for extraordinary highschool athletes. I am not sure what it entails...but it would be wonderful if I could give them a check from the members of SoWal.com
They are wonderful people, it is very sad.