Statement From Larry Coker On The Condition Of Defensive End Jerome McDougle

Aug. 14, 2001

University of Miami head football coach Larry Coker had the following statement on the condition of UM football player Jerome McDougle:

“First of all, we feel very good about how our trainers handled things. Jerome just became overheated, but he never lost consciousness and he is alert. Our trainers, Scott McGonagle and Scott Bruce, did a great job and cooled him down. Jerome’s going to be taken to Doctor’s Hospital. His vital signs are good. I really can’t say too much, obviously, until they get him in there for examination. As soon as they do, we’ll have a statement from the hospital.

“The prognosis, we feel, is very good. He is alert and responsive but, in light of the recent tragedies, it is always a frightening thing. As we always do, we took the precautions, and gave our players water throughout practice, not just during the break. Jerome had finished practice and was in the post-practice stretch when he became lightheaded. He showed no signs of cramping during practice and never lost consciousness.”