September 22, 200817 yr comment_47969 But at least he can lead a normal life away from football Ball State's Love OK after spinal fracture, but career likely over By Graham Watson Ball State receiver Dante Love is expected to "live a normal and happy life" according to a statement released by the university, but he probably won't ever play football again. Love suffered a cervical spine fracture and a spinal cord injury during the first quarter of Saturday's game against Indiana. He was taken immediately to Bloomington Hospital where he underwent a five-hour surgery. Ball State released a statement Sunday afternoon that Love was able to move his arms and legs. Others blog ESPN.com's Graham Watson writes about college football's independents and non-BCS conference schools in her blog. • Blog network "Everything went as the doctors thought, and even a little better," Ball State coach Brady Hoke said. "At this point, the biggest thing was just to relieve pressure and all that stuff on the spinal cord." Love was injured when Indiana cornerback Chris Adkins hit Love helmet-to-helmet after Love made a short catch. Love fell to the ground, briefly unconscious, and lay motionless for 15 minutes. He felt numbness in his arms and legs as he was strapped to a backboard. He was taken off the field in a golf cart. He has since been transferred to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for further evaluation. There was no timetable Monday on his rehabilitation. Love entered Saturday's game as the nation's leader in receiving yards per game at 144.3. He also was ranked second in all-purpose running. Love, who was the Cardinals' most versatile player, finishes his career ranked second in school history in receptions (199), yards receiving (2,778) and is tied for fourth in TD receptions (20). He also holds the Ball State record for kickoff-return yards in a career (2,129) and is tied with Dante Ridgeway for the most 100-yard games in school history (11). Graham Watson covers college football for ESPN.com. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3602536 Report
September 22, 200817 yr comment_48015 Terrible news. He was a potential 3rd-4th round pick next year, and I wouldn't of minded had the Bears taken him. Wow. Best of luck to the man. Report
September 23, 200817 yr comment_48045 If it is at all possible, I could see him making a come back. But that's only if he has the desire and love for the game to attempt such a comeback. Report
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