[UMDBookingRook]

Ball State's Love OK after spinal fracture, but career likely over By Graham Watson ESPN.com (Archive) Updated: September 22, 2008, 1:14 PM ET 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. "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). ESPN - Ball State's Love OK after spinal fracture, but career likely over - College Football

Truly sad. This kid probably would have had a nice future in the NFL also. Thank God it sounds as if he will be able to make a full recovery, but it's truly a shame his professional football career was more than likely taken away. Ball State was a darkhorse favorite team of mine and Love was a critical component to their success. Keep an eye on this team.

[Bobby O'Shea]

This is sad

I agree with you on Ball St too they have a bright future and it will only get brighter. Happy to see this was not another Stingley incident.


Bobby O

[BangTheBook]

Hopefully he is able to get a nice degree from the college but I wonder if an injury like this will cost him his scholarship.

[UMDBookingRook]

I would hope not Bang. This guy will be setup somewhere being involved with sports for a career (coaching, media, recruiting, etc.). Alot of people know that this kid just lost millions. Hopefully he is psychologically prepared for another career track now.

[brs14ku]

Tough luck for that kid. I'm sure the university will take care of him, at least for the next couple of years.