Here's mine. I don't think I pulled too mamy punches.
"Dear Dr. Syverud/Board of Trustees, I am sure you are well aware of the media coverage surrounding the disqualification of Steven Clark, a fine student athlete on the football team. I am not sending this email simply because of Mr. Clark's disqualification but because of the light that has been shed on an erroneus process and the individual at the center of that process.
I am a member of an internet fan message board that loves to discuss all things SU sports. We are lucky enough to have some parents of athletes on this board that can provide unique insight into our favorite sports programs and has allowed the fans to have details about this most recent situation that we otherwise would not have. It's concerning to learn that Dr. Tucker, as a general practitioner, so blatantly disregarded the expert opinion of four different specialists regarding Steven's ability to safely participate in football. If this were an isolated incident, it would be easy enough to disregard. However...
You may not be familiar with Kyle Knapp, he may have preceded your tenure. I can't be sure without researching the timeline. Regardless, he was a player disqualified by Dr. Tucker for multiple concussions. Mr. Knapp's father set the record straight after much misinformation was spread. He made a strong point that is quite troubling. Dr. Tucker did not refer Kyle to a concussion specialist pryor to the disqualification and refused the idea when suggested by the family. The family sought one out independently. They learned Kyle's cause of the concussions, eyes that did not converge properly, was easily treatable with therapy. The specialist was disappointed to learn the SU medical staff missed such an obvious and treatable problem. Kyle recieved proper treatment, was cleared to play, and was cleared by the concussion specialist to resume his career at another institution. Why was Dr. Tucker unwilling to consult a specialist and unaware of potential treatment? The former should be automatic when the latter exists.
The most troubling statment made throughout this debacle came from yet another parent. He said this type of poor medical treatment is more common than anyone outside of the program would want to know.
This needs to stop. Dr. Tucker is either too stubborn or ignorant to do what is right by our student athletes.
The small amount of financial support I provide to the university will be withheld until a change is made.
Respectfully,
sufandu"
