Staff photo by Robert Willett
The University of North Carolina’s sports medicine staff has recommended that linebacker Mark Paschal, a Charlotte Latin graduate, no longer play football.
Paschal suffered a cervical spine injury Saturday against N.C. State. He is expected to make a full recovery with no long-term effects, but the UNC medical staff advised him to quit football because of the risk of further injury.
The recommendation was made after reviewing the results of an MRI exam that was given Sunday. Paschal is North Carolina’s leading tackler.
“Our first concern is the health of Mark Paschal,” coach Butch Davis said in a statement released by the school. “Our sports medicine staff has assured him and his parents that he will make a complete recovery. Mark has had a terrific senior season, has been a great leader for us, and is on track to graduate in May.
“I appreciate how hard he has worked over the last two years to re-energize our program. Mark will continue to be an important part of our team for the remainder of the season.”
Paschal has not missed any of the 47 games in his career. He has 103 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and two interceptions. He was voted a team captain in 2008.
Comments
Why not to buy steroids?
Thu, 04/30/2009 - 15:58 — joeAnneWhy not to buy steroids? Quitting isn't always the right option.
Sports injuries get worse later in life. Not worth it...
Wed, 11/26/2008 - 02:48 — vraptorNow 48. I used to be a super jock when I was young. I got banged up a lot. Now I am suffering from it. I had 2 disks in my neck / spine replaced 3 years ago. I have screws and a plate in my neck. I had one disk trimmed in my lower back 2 years ago. I have more herniated disks in my lower back that are pressing on my spinal cord. They will need surgery in the future. My left knee has been scoped twice. It was hurting like crazy. Had another MRI on it. Went with a steroid injection to releave the pain. Went to the canes doc who operated on brandimour. My right shoulder is torn up. If I throw hard with it, I throw it out. Major pain for weeks. Look up some old football players and see how they are doing later in life like earl campbell. And then the cost. $75,000 for my neck. $50,000 for my lower back. My insurance premiums are very high. Plus recovery time. Out of work time. etc....
I read about this on another site
Tue, 11/25/2008 - 21:52 — UNC1998No matter how you slice it...it's bad news. I know Paschal wants to play his final game against Duke. He does have the rest of what promises to be a great life ahead of him. For that he, and I'm sure all of us, are very thankful.
ton of bricks
Tue, 11/25/2008 - 20:34 — gvillegatrIMO, biased of course, Paschal was the defensive POY in the ACC. I wouldnt be surprised one bit if he succeeds in our world as much as he succeeded in the football world. keep getting better Mark.
I agree
Tue, 11/25/2008 - 21:16 — JPDOhioIt is truly a shame that this happened to this kid. But thankfully it was not worse and he can live a normal life. Best wishes to Mark for a successful career in whatever he chooses to do.
didnt know...
Tue, 11/25/2008 - 19:48 — TarHeelFan05Man!, that's got to be heart breaking for the guy. Had an awesome year. Was a big plus for the Carolina D. He was a tackling machine. Good to know he will make a full recovery. Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
at least he's gonna be
Tue, 11/25/2008 - 18:48 — mad_maxat least he's gonna be alright outside of football
exactly!
Tue, 11/25/2008 - 19:25 — izzykareemThat's actually the first thing i scanned the article for - maybe the headline writers can make a "note to self" and not write sensationalist headlines. Made it sound like the guy was paralyzed or something.
wow...
Tue, 11/25/2008 - 17:43 — izzykareemhate that for the kid, he had a great year...you need a senior like that on every team.