Four Maryland Players Opt Out, One Out with "Medical Issue"
Four players opted out of the season, including last season's starting QB Josh Jackson, starting OL Austin Fontaine and Johnny Jordan, and reserve DB Vincent Flythe. Starting TE Chig Okonkwo is out indefinitely with a "medical issue."
August 7th, 2020 at 11:25 AM ^
So COVID is the new Angry Maryland Quarterback Hating God? Does Piggy have eligibility still?
August 7th, 2020 at 11:35 AM ^
The answer to your question about "Piggy" was buried in the very last paragraph.
QB Tyrrell Pigrome transferred to Western Kentucky during the off-season.
August 7th, 2020 at 11:48 AM ^
Bortenschlager, too? Damn.
August 7th, 2020 at 11:51 AM ^
+1 for (a) remembering his name and (b) spelling it correctly.
August 7th, 2020 at 12:09 PM ^
Return of the Bortenschlagering!
August 7th, 2020 at 12:09 PM ^
How does anyone forget Bortenschlager? Dude had mini-celebrity written all over him when he started a few games!
August 7th, 2020 at 11:27 AM ^
Why is medical issue in quotes? Are you implying he's making it up?
August 7th, 2020 at 11:33 AM ^
Not at all, just that it was left vague by the press release and I didn't want to assume it was Covid-related.
August 7th, 2020 at 12:18 PM ^
It has the effect of implying that you believe it's related to COVD.
The article talks about the players opting out, then says "Locksley also announced that starting tight end Chig Okonkwo is out indefinitely with a medical issue." In my mind that sounds like an injury, given that we hear statements like that about players all the time. But there's nothing there to indicate either way, so I don't think quotes are needed.
August 7th, 2020 at 12:25 PM ^
Sorry guys. Put it in quotes to imply that it was their words not mine, not that I was reading any further into it. Should have just said undisclosed medical issue.
August 7th, 2020 at 11:34 AM ^
I think he is implying that "medical issue" is actually Covid, but they're not telling us the truth? Which, I don't really understand why they'd do that. I mean, to avoid undercounting deaths they are over-counting in some cases, like the guy in Colorado who died of "Covid-19" but had a blood alcohol level of 0.55. If the dude has Covid and they are lying to keep the team practicing, that will certainly come out eventually and would be a catastrophe for the coaches...
He used quotes because he’s quoting something. Get a grip.
August 7th, 2020 at 11:32 AM ^
An MSU starting SR OL also opted out. Jordan Reid
August 7th, 2020 at 11:35 AM ^
Anyone else finding it depressingly predictable that OSU, with having easily the most NFL-level talent in the conference on its roster by a considerable margin, has not had a single player opt out? I do, anyway.
They've got at least 3-4 guys who are considered first rounders if the draft happened today.
August 7th, 2020 at 11:43 AM ^
Yes you nailed it. We arent discussing it because of course.
August 7th, 2020 at 12:08 PM ^
Definitely predictable.
OSU does it SEC-style and doesn't fuck around. Day has probably indirectly informed the players that their scholarships will be at risk if they sit out.
He worked under at least one sociopath (Meyer) and probably picked up a few tips.
August 7th, 2020 at 12:11 PM ^
The players opting out are the ones with prospective future income significantly dwarfing their current low/no income.
August 7th, 2020 at 12:15 PM ^
Why would anyone be surprised that a slimy organization falls into a slime filled pond and finds a slime-covered diamond?
Due to OSU being in a "reloading" position with their roster many have not played themselves into a clear NFL draft position-Fields may be an exception. I would predict this same scenario for the other elite teams, nationally. So, players are very unlikely to sit out because of the chance that their replacement may well be just as capable-and they may never see the field again. And actually, this "problem" is also in play for Michigan. Who on this roster can afford to sit and be assured of a starting role next year or be in a solid draft position-I guess maybe Mayfield, Hutch or maybe even Hinton and Dax??? Here, Parsons can sit out for PSU because of both his draft status and the retention of his starting role should he decide to return next year.
Michigan might be in a sweet spot. The Michigan players you mention are lacking the meaningful playing experience by being too young and not getting the accolades like all conference, etc. Hinton causes me concern for opting out so I hope he's going to practices and we'll know soon.
August 7th, 2020 at 11:43 AM ^
Complete hear say, but I have a friend who is a huge Buckeye follower tell me that OSU had all of its players sign a waiver essentially stating that they agree to get "bubble" and if they were to venture outside of the bubble, they would be kicked off the team.
Bottomline, OSU has isolated the team and plans on keeping them that way. Given the "perks" that OSU is certainly offering, it is understandable why no one from that team has opted out..... yet....
August 7th, 2020 at 12:04 PM ^
They can’t opt out. They have to score 100 points against UM bc Day is upset he got called out for cheating.
I can buy into that. Justin Fields was in a bubble last year by taking his classes on line.
...drip, drip, drip...
I see a trend such that the schools who will not finish very high in the standings will see more of their players opt out. Sparty is up to 2 and expect more to come. I know there are exceptions with MN and Penn State but those guys are 1st round projections.