Syracuse football defensive tackle Steven Clark's career put in jeopardy by blood clots

[bcubs9497]

Another thing. I won't name names, and if you ask for them, I won't say them, but there have been 2 other players, recently, who were perilously close to being medically DQed. Important players. Things happened, were discussed, etc, and they're still on the roster.

Also, I suspect that Steven's DQ was to protect SU and Denny Kellington from legal action.

 

[ElwoodJBlues]

There's a lot of pressure on non-team doctors to side with the team physicians when it comes to these types of decisions. Disagreeing with the team physician is seen as an indictment against their qualifications or competence, whether warranted or not. So a lot of these doctors brought in for another opinion by the school just side with the team doctor so they don't ruin the professional relationship.

There's also a level of culpability that other doctors don't want to take on when it comes to an outside decision. If the specialist in Rochester clears him, I would imagine there is going to be a lot of backtracking on the University's part.

 

[Consigliere]

Supposedly, DiFino was. The same who DC'ed Xarelto back in April because, supposedly, Steven no longer needed to be on them.

Trying not to get my hopes up at all, but is S.U aware that Steven will be seeing an additional expert - either the football staff or the administration? If so, what was their reaction? Do they seem to be open minded at all?

 

[bcubs9497]

Trying not to get my hopes up at all, but is S.U aware that Steven will be seeing an additional expert - either the football staff or the administration? If so, what was their reaction? Do they seem to be open minded at all?

Coaching staff is 100% behind Steven. Don't know what the administration's reaction is; assuming they'd like to see him cleared if the specialist in Rochester gives the okay. And, yes, they're all now aware that he's going to see the specialist in Rochester.

 

[bcubs9497]

There's a lot of pressure on non-team doctors to side with the team physicians when it comes to these types of decisions. Disagreeing with the team physician is seen as an indictment against their qualifications or competence, whether warranted or not. So a lot of these doctors brought in for another opinion by the school just side with the team doctor so they don't ruin the professional relationship.

There's also a level of culpability that other doctors don't want to take on when it comes to an outside decision. If the specialist in Rochester clears him, I would imagine there is going to be a lot of backtracking on the University's part.

This specialist is in no way affiliated with SU. Or, for that matter, us.

 

[orangepassion]

Really rooting for you guys

 

[Consigliere]

Coaching staff is 100% behind Steven. Don't know what the administration's reaction is; assuming they'd like to see him cleared if the specialist in Rochester gives the okay. And, yes, they're all now aware that he's going to see the specialist in Rochester.

Damn! Now you did it. My hopes are officially up. Best of luck and kudos for your loyalty to the program and perseverance.

 

[bcubs9497]

Damn! Now you did it. My hopes are officially up. Best of luck and kudos for your loyalty to the program and perseverance.

I wouldn't get your hopes up. Tucker is the FINAL word (that's NCAA). AD and coaches can only suggest, persuade, cajole, romance, etc.

 

[Chris02M]

This specialist is in no way affiliated with SU. Or, for that matter, us.

hope everything works out for your family

 

[bcubs9497]

hope everything works out for your family

We just want the truth, and what's right, to prevail. And, thanks!

 

[RandomGuy]

Best of luck, to you and your family.

 

[HtownOrange]

I wouldn't get your hopes up. Tucker is the FINAL word (that's NCAA). AD and coaches can only suggest, persuade, cajole, romance, etc.

Tucker may reverse his decision based on the unbiased opinion of another specialist. If not, Steven may still be cleared at another program based on a good report from the independent specialist. Best of luck to Steven, you and all family members, this is a trial I hope few ever need go through. We want in Steven in Orange but if he believes he needs to go out his way, then I will wish him the best.

Gotta respect a kid that has been told is an NFL prospect if he plays O-Line but loved the D-line so much that he is willing to forego an NFL career to play the spot he loves. Also confirms that he has his life's plan in motion (medical career).

 

[44doubledees]

Still don't understand how you as his father cannot sign a legally binding waiver absolving SU from any responsibility if anything should happen by him playing. I am sure this has been addressed in the previous 25 pages but still seems weird, although I am not a lawyer.

 

[baggerbob]

I wouldn't get your hopes up. Tucker is the FINAL word (that's NCAA). AD and coaches can only suggest, persuade, cajole, romance, etc.

Tucker like anyone else can be terminated at the wishes of the university. Hopefully the BOT, and the Chancellor, come to the conclusion he is a liability to them.

 

[AAM62]

Tucker like anyone else can be terminated at the wishes of the university. Hopefully the BOT, and the Chancellor, come to the conclusion he is a liability to them.

Except it seems like hes an asset to them

 

[HtownOrange]

Still don't understand how you as his father cannot sign a legally binding waiver absolving SU from any responsibility if anything should happen by him playing. I am sure this has been addressed in the previous 25 pages but still seems weird, although I am not a lawyer.

Not being a wise guy, but Bcubs is the father of an adult son capable of handling his own agreements. Syracuse has no legal ties to BCubs; obvious relationships and an otherwise seemingly good relationship with the university as a whole (medical decision makers aside) don't equate to a legal relationship as Steven is the party at issue and is legally an adult. Steven potentially could sign a waiver as you suggest. However, if the university is a risk averse as many on here describe, a waiver is probably not an option. SU may not want to test the waiver waters and they have NCAA cover by making Dr. Tucker's decision final so there is no need to test the waiver waters on SU's part.

Regardless, Tucker should have considered an independent consultant when the Clarks presented two private physicians countering their own specialist, compared results, perhaps had a conference call with the MDs and then made his decision.

My guess is that behind the scenes there are a great number of conversations going on about the high rate of DQs at Syracuse and that this issue is bringing things to the front. Pure speculation on my part.

 

[Consigliere]

I wouldn't get your hopes up. Tucker is the FINAL word (that's NCAA). AD and coaches can only suggest, persuade, cajole, romance, etc.

I know, I know... Just hoping that a good recommendation from another expert might give Tucker an out. A chance to backtrack a bit and take the position that the additional information makes him more comfortable that any risk is appropriately mitigated. Given the public backlash and the presumed suggesting, cajoling and romancing I'm hoping that the door is at least opened a crack. All the best, cubs! Can't tell you what a terrific asset your perspective has brought to this forum!

 

[HtownOrange]

All the best, cubs! Can't tell you what a terrific asset your perspective has brought to this forum!

I second that! Parents of the players (any sport) add a perspective few of us will ever have a chance to know.

 

[007]

I know, I know... Just hoping that a good recommendation from another expert might give Tucker an out. A chance to backtrack a bit and take the position that the additional information makes him more comfortable that any risk is appropriately mitigated. Given the public backlash and the presumed suggesting, cajoling and romancing I'm hoping that the door is at least opened a crack. All the best, cubs! Can't tell you what a terrific asset your perspective has brought to this forum!

I really hope that Steve gets cleared to play, especially if that is the clear medical consensus.

However, I find it hard to believe that Tucker (although I think this process goes much higher than his unilateral decision making) will be open to mitigating risk, getting more information, backtracking, or whatever at this point. If that were the case and he was open, why not refer out for an independent third opinion in the first place when the Clarke's presented contrary medical opinions?

 

[CuseLegacy]

I really hope that Steve gets cleared to play, especially if that is the clear medical consensus.

However, I find it hard to believe that Tucker (although I think this process goes much higher than his unilateral decision making) will be open to mitigating risk, getting more information, backtracking, or whatever at this point. If that were the case and he was open, why not refer out for an independent third opinion in the first place when the Clarke's presented contrary medical opinions?

I am sure that he will get cleared to play.... somewhere else. I am sure that other schools will accept the recommendations of the two physicians in Alabama.

 

[007]

I am sure that he will get cleared to play... somewhere else. I am sure that other schools will accept the recommendations of the two physicians in Alabama.

I agree. If/when Steve is cleared it will be to play somewhere else.

The ultimate risk mitigation at SU, apparently, is DQ'ing.

 

[bcubs9497]

I am sure that he will get cleared to play... somewhere else. I am sure that other schools will accept the recommendations of the two physicians in Alabama.

Yep.

 

[bigmike]

Only the best to Steven and his family. If he cannot play for the Orange, I hope he excels somewhere else.

Reason tells me to avoid getting my hopes up, but as a sometimes irrational being I cannot help it. Sounds like a precedent for working something out has already been set. If nothing happens, I am considering initiating a suit against everyone who said no for emotional distress.

 

[bcubs9497]

I agree. If/when Steve is cleared it will be to play somewhere else.

The ultimate risk mitigation at SU, apparently, is DQ'ing.

You're kidding, I know, but there's is truth in that.

 

[007]

You're kidding, I know, but there's is truth in that.

Sadly, I wasn't kidding bcubs.