| FTBL You can *officially* write off Zeke from playing next year..

[TerryP]

...and while it's not "official," (as in an announcement coming from the Coach) it's as good as a done deal.

It appears very likely that Zeke will transfer. Even with his family and Zeke willing to sign a medical waiver the medical staff at UA refused to offer him one due to his health condition. He was offered a TA/GA role which it looks like he doesn't want and has a desire to play one more year.

We'll see how this ends up in terms of his transfer.

FWIW, the a lot of the fault here lies with Zeke. He knew about the health condition, was prescribed medicine for it, but didn't keep up with the medical regime the doctors wanted him to follow.

Best of luck to him.

 

[Guest]

Whatever happens, I wish Zeke all the best. He is a true warrior on the field, and I hope that life is good to him. It sounds like Zeke has not come to terms with the seriousness of his medical condition. Most 21 year olds think they are bulletproof.

 

[Guest]

I've liked this guy a lot since the first day I saw footage of him. I've had a lot of high hopes for him. I hope things go well for him, and I truly, truly hope that his decision to continue to play doesn't wind up hurting him and especially his family.

 

[Guest]

He might have been our best defensive player last year.

 

[It Takes Eleven]

I wish him well. If he's transferring, he'll have to go FCS or lower - any word on where he's headed? It would be a tragedy if another coaching staff second guessed the medical decision and he was hurt (or worse).

RTR,

Tim

 

[Guest]

Good luck Zeke.

 

[Guest]

I wish him well. If he's transferring, he'll have to go FCS or lower - any word on where he's headed? It would be a tragedy if another coaching staff second guessed the medical decision and he was hurt (or worse).

RTR,

Tim

A few weeks ago there was a rumor around here that he was headed to Jacksonville State.

 

[TerryP]

I wish him well. If he's transferring, he'll have to go FCS or lower - any word on where he's headed? It would be a tragedy if another coaching staff second guessed the medical decision and he was hurt (or worse).

RTR,

Tim

A few weeks ago there was a rumor around here that he was headed to Jacksonville State.

I made a comment about Jax St., but only as an example of the "type of school" he would likely attend if he did transfer. I've heard nothing with any substance on what school he may be considering.

Jax St., would make sense though...

FWIW, the rumor I've seen is Faulkner.

 

[Guest]

Faulkner? Wow. Last year was their first year playing football, and they are a D-II school. Of course, it'd be easy for me to go see him play if that's the case.

 

[imported_Porter]

I just hope he does stay healthy. I fully understand UA's side, but I can also see the kid want to lay it on the line and keep playing. Best of luck to him wherever he ends up.

 

[Bama Bard]

I just hope he does stay healthy. I fully understand UA's side, but I can also see the kid want to lay it on the line and keep playing. Best of luck to him wherever he ends up.

I can see both sides too Porter. I side with the University but can definately understand Zeke's desire to play. The last thing an alcoholic wants to do is stop drinking and I think the same goes for athletes and playing the game. I just hope the ramifications aren't as serious with the latter as they can be for the former. Best of luck Zeke and hopefully the work ethic, coach ability and willingness to take whatever role was given him by the coaches will translate for those he mentored on the team. We could use 100 more like him.

 

[TigerTeacher2007]

Who is Zeke?

Sorry...

 

[Guest]

Spot on TerryP

According to Faulkner University head coach Jim Nichols, Knight approached him about enrolling at the university and playing this Fall. Knight told him that he was "done at Alabama," but things went no further. Nichols apparently looked into whether or not it would be possible for Knight to play, but apparently it was not.

http://www.rollbamaroll.com/2008/7/15/572220/zeke-knight-transferring

 

[Guest]

Correction, looks like Faulkner isn't gonna happen.
http://alabama.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=827213

Alabama linebacker Ezekial Knight has been in contact with Faulkner University in Montgomery, Ala., regarding a transfer, but the senior from Wedowee, Ala., will not enroll at the school, according to Eagles coach Jim Nichols.

Knight, a starter last year at the strongside position, was unable to participate in spring drills with the Crimson Tide after his second heart-related hospitalization occurred in January. His first, a stroke suffered in September of 2006, cost him most of that season while doctors executed a battery of tests. Later, a heart murmur caused by two small holes in Knight's heart was discovered, leading to corrective surgery that allowed Knight to play in 2007.

"He did reach out to us, but it isn't going to happen for him here," Nichols said

 

[Kirk Van de Graaff]

Man I hate it for Zeke, knowing that he has these heart problems and still wants to play. What a warrior. I hope the best for him, I am sure these are trying times for him.

 

[Guest]

I hate it for him. I wanted him to finish his playing days next season in crimson.

I really feel bad for him. He was lost in Shula's system for at least two years. He may have never been All-American or maybe even all SEC, but who will ever know because his potential wasn't tapped early enough.

I wish him the best, but I really wish he wouldn't explore playing further. The risk is just too great.

 

[imported_Porter]

I wish him the best, but I really wish he wouldn't explore playing further. The risk is just too great.

More than likely he's going to run into roadblocks at every turn. I'll be pretty surprised if a school brings him in and lets him play, even if he does sign a release. If he is trying to keep playing in an effort to get into the NFL, then he is in for an even bigger fight, one that he'd probably have to be led by lawyers.

 

[Guest]

Faulkner? Wow. Last year was their first year playing football, and they are a D-II school. Of course, it'd be easy for me to go see him play if that's the case.

Faulkner?? That is a huge change from playing at Alabama. I live very near one of the campuses and did not realize they even had a football team. Good luck to Zeke!

 

[Guest]

Well, let this be a lesson to all of us "40-somethings". Please, when your doctor prescribes medicine for anything heart related, TAKE IT!!!!!!
I had a customer die of a heart attack at the ripe old age of 42 mainly because he did not take his meds.
Take your blood pressure medicine!!!

 

[Swamptick]

Man I hate it for Zeke, knowing that he has these heart problems and still wants to play. What a warrior. I hope the best for him, I am sure these are trying times for him.

This.