Fair question, it is not one specific comment but the whole of the comment and what was not said.
1. SUAD states "...welfare and well being of our student/athletes is paramount." Follows NCAA guidelines, sheds good light on SU, states a generally good position that most of us agree with in principal. None of us wants a kid who is truly medically DQ'd to play, we do not wish a permanent injury, or worse, on anyone.
2. Wildhack acknowledges inconsistent medial opinions, a truth nearly all of us have experienced or know someone who has. Nothing more than a fact.
3. Wildhack states the official University position line: "I'm confident in the work our medical team has done." The NCAA cannot complain, meanwhile the University powers that be can quietly address the matter. No dissension in the troops.
4. What is missing is the explanation of how/why Dr. Tucker is correct. First, it is a nearly impossible position to defend; second, it would paint the University BOT and Chancellor into a corner; third, it would create much more ill will trying to justify a very wrong decision in light of the facts as known at this time; fourth, it would mean Wildhack at least will comply willingly (no behind-closed-doors-disagreements); fifth, it would mean Wildhack will not fight for his coaches and athletes.
5. Immediately following the official line of confidence in the medical team, Wildhack, without missing a beat, acknowledges Steven may play elsewhere. This strongly indicates that Wildhack sees the issue and probably indicates that the University sees the issue. The issue being that the medical decision is likely driven by fear of liability (which may not matter as the team medical personnel issued the brace that caused the blood clots for which they are likely liable - see a NY attorney for clarification and real legal advice about this instance) and not by sound medical opinion. By stating that Steven may have other playing opportunities, Wildhack has also opened the door for other schools to take a closer look at Steven's abilities. Wildhack essentially invites other schools to look at Steven's abilities and medical record and openly states Steven will have the University's support if he leaves to play elsewhere. Plainly, Wildhack knows Steven has the ability and health to play.
6. Wildhack moves right into support for Steven. Classy and proper. Steven deserves the University's support and the fans support, he has both. Wildhack is on board with Steven's best interest. Not sure if this is a signal that Wildhack is trying to force the matter behind closed doors and encouraging Steven to hold on a little longer (or possibly the medical red shirt season), but he pledges support for Steven.
Conclusion: The pressure is on Wildhack and the administration. Someone had to release a public statement. Wildhack (a Newhouse grad if I recall), the former ESPN exec, handled the matter delicately, professionally, and gave full support to Steven. Each of which should be expected by us all (who love SU for whatever reason). Wildhack delivered. Point #4 is what encourages me most. If Wildhack was merely a tool, he would have "justified" Dr. Tucker's decision, or at least attempted to do so. Instead, he covered all bases to avoid significant scrutiny, ignored a defense of Dr. Tucker and opened the door to other schools recruiting Steven, a slap in the face of Dr. Tucker (Steven is medically DQ'd even though he can play elsewhere), placing the ball in the administration/BoT's court. This may take time, but Dr. Tucker will probably take a quiet retirement...not soon enough, but sooner rather than later.
Disclaimer: This is my opinion, others are free to have their own and express them as such. A few; Bcubs, Bambrewer, Chakka, and others; may have a better interpretation based on their proximity to the people and events related to this issue and I welcome any insight (whether I am right or wrong), this is just my take on it.
