Morning Buzz

I have never actually seen Frankie play, but from what I have heard it sounds as if he would be a great addition to the team. I will be rooting hard for his return to football. Fight on Frankie!!!

No way. The university does not need the image of a player dropping dead on national T.V. a la Hank Gathers.

Even if Telfort were to sign a waiver absolving the school of all responsibility, USC still has to think about its own image. "USC knowingly lets a kid with a bad heart play and die" is what will be Scott Wolf's next article should this matter proceed any further.

Sorry Frankie, but your death is not worth the gain in depth at line backer.

oldtrojan..........I agree. I know it's terrible that he has this condition and is unable to play, but a 33% chance of dying isn't worth it. It seems that he still has alot to be grateful for with a free education from one of the best schools in the country and plans to go to med school and become a doctor.

I hope Pete puts an end to this pipe dream. That sight of Hank Gathers collapsing on the court is very haunting.

Isn't it up to Telford? If he gets a competent, qualified doctor to approve, then what is to stop him?He is the one undertaking the risk. Cutino Mobley played 11 years for the Clippers before he was forced to quit. Are there other athletes who have this condition, and yet continue to play? Hank Gathers was unaware of his condition. Telfort now is. Gathers' death might have been prevented if a defibrillator was present (which is now required). No one wants to see this young man die. But, ultimately, it's his decision whether he wants to play despite the risk of death. How can you deprive him of that choice? Is he going to regret never giving it a try?

On the flip side, USC probably won't allow him to play unless Telford gets medical clearance and waives liability against USC for letting him play. Will USC need to have a cardiologist present at every practice?