OT: Kent State football player dies
Kent State starting center and senior, Jason Bitsko, died unexpectedly today. Cause of death is unknown. I'm sure all our prayers and well wishings are sent to the entire Kent State family. Link: http://www.foxsports.com/college-football/story/kent-state-center-jason-bitsko-dies-unexpectedly-in-his-sleep-082014
August 20th, 2014 at 4:44 PM ^
It's really sad how frequently this occurs; it seems like every year at least one or two players die during fall camp. You obviously have to wait for the autopsy results, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was a cardiovascular condition (it seems like heart or blood issues are the most common cause). Given that, I find it really sad that they haven't found a better way to screen these players before these tragedies happen...
August 21st, 2014 at 9:52 AM ^
It's tragic, for sure, but it's not that surprising that we hear of one or two players dying per year. After all, roughly 12,000 young men play football at the FBS level. I'm no actuary, but it doesn't seem that crazy for an 18-to-22-year-old to have a 1 in 12,000 chance at dying due to some freak occurance.
August 20th, 2014 at 4:46 PM ^
Cleveland.com is reporting that police believe it was due to an "undisclosed medical condition". Sad.
http://www.cleveland.com/sports/college/index.ssf/2014/08/kent_state_fo…
August 20th, 2014 at 4:51 PM ^
See above; 100 Monopoly dollars says it was either a heart or blood issue. Prayers obviously go out to the family, but the biggest tribute you could give this kid (and all those before him) are better, more thorough medical screenings to prevent this from happening in the future...
August 20th, 2014 at 5:49 PM ^
Given he was a lineman, and died in his sleep, it is very possible it was sleep apnea that at least contributed to his death, along with a heart condition. Very sad, it's hard to comprehend what his family is going through now. Wishing them the love and support they will need.
August 20th, 2014 at 4:49 PM ^
August 20th, 2014 at 5:09 PM ^
Devastating. Young kid in the prime of his life playing the game he loves and suddenly he is gone. I can't even image, as a parent. God Bless him, his family, and his teammates.
August 20th, 2014 at 5:35 PM ^
I went to high school with someone in his family (uncle I believe) - very sad.
August 20th, 2014 at 6:12 PM ^
August 20th, 2014 at 6:14 PM ^
My condolences to his family and those around him.
If you see links to articles elsewhere, don't read the comments.
August 20th, 2014 at 6:18 PM ^
Terrible, terrible story. Prayers for his friends/family.
August 20th, 2014 at 6:44 PM ^
Without knowing anything about him, I'd put my money on undiagnosed HOCM as the culprit.
RIP
August 20th, 2014 at 6:47 PM ^
This sort of thing seems to happen too often this time of year. However, it's not just football. I remember two cases from the court. That young man from (Fenton?) Michigan a year or two ago and John Stewart from Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis about a decade or so ago. In John's case he was a very athletic young man headed to Kentucky to play ball. I hope this is the last of the stories we hear this year. RIP young man.
August 20th, 2014 at 7:33 PM ^
August 20th, 2014 at 8:53 PM ^
August 20th, 2014 at 8:36 PM ^
MLB ticker said "Unknown medical issue". So unfortunate at such a young age.
August 20th, 2014 at 9:29 PM ^