Mike Williams - Done?

Submitted by Blazefire on

So, according to:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/ncaa/09/29/michigan-robinson.ap/index.html?eref=sihp

Mike Williams will be meeting with doctors this week to discuss his playing time and/or future since suffering multiple concussions. Is he done?

If so, are players granted a medical scholarship still allowed to attend team meetings/events if they like? Can they still use the player weight rooms? It would suck so bad to have your entire football identity wiped out. Can we send him a get well card?

aaamichfan

September 29th, 2010 at 4:24 PM ^

I remember Antonio Bass being able to use the team weight room for the remainder of his time at Michigan. Probably the same situation here.

michgoblue

September 29th, 2010 at 4:25 PM ^

I like the fact that this post focused on how something like this will impact Mike Williams, as opposed to how it will impact the team.

Whether or not Williams was a successful player for Michigan or not, it sucks when a young kid has to hang it up because of injury.  With all of the stuff coming out in the NFL about the problems later in life from multiple concussions, it sucks even worse when it is something like this.

Hope that Mike gets well and has no problems in the future.  If you find out where to send those encouragement cards, please post it.

Maize.Blue Wagner

September 29th, 2010 at 4:42 PM ^

I fully agree, but it is incredible that yet another player from the secondary is going to be out.  I realize this is an oft repeated theme (AMSHG and all that) and that Williams' playing time was down to nothing, but I can't believe that has happened to the starting secondary from the beginning of the '09 season.  There was a starting secondary without any seniors, and now none will be in a position to play (though Williams and Woolfolk are still on the team).  

All the best to Williams, and I hope he does get the medical attention he needs to keep this from being a problem that bothers him throughout life. 

Michigasling

September 29th, 2010 at 6:11 PM ^

If he hasn't played and there is concern about a history of concussions, it may be that they were watching him until it was considered safe for him to play.  And if they're having him discuss his future with the doctors, there's obviously enough concern that he be able to make an educated choice for his future.  Bravo for a program that thinks of its players first.  And with a program that opens its training facilities (and its collective heart) to a "player-in-law" who's enrolled in a rival university, I can't think not being able to play will make Williams any less of a part of the M football family.  A brain is a terrible thing to risk.

oakapple

September 29th, 2010 at 4:25 PM ^

They can do anything but suit up & play. I know, in at least one case, a school offered a medical scholarship and the player continued to work with the team as a student assistant.

The team can offer use of the weight room to anyone it wants. I can’t imagine them saying to Williams, “Sorry, you can’t come on the premises any more.” Clearly, active players would have priority.

GOBLUE4EVR

September 29th, 2010 at 5:40 PM ^

thinks about playing someone should have him call the lindros brothers... eric was never quite the same after a scott stevens hit in the playoffs one year and his brother brett basically had to retire before his career even started in the NHL... i'm guessing with this number but i think the total number of concussions between the 2 of them was around 20 if not more...

Beavis

September 29th, 2010 at 5:49 PM ^

Let's just get this out of the way - "wasn't he done last year?"

I wish him the best in his future and hopefully the concussions don't haunt him the rest of his life.  As a person that suffered multiple concussions in football (albeit not at the college level, such as Williams), it sucks.  Nothing about concussions is fun, but at least people are FINALLY starting to recognize the detriment they can cause.  Best of luck to you with the rest of your life, Mike.  Hopefully you lead a long and prosperous one. 

Tater

September 29th, 2010 at 6:19 PM ^

...concussion awareness is at a high point, and I can't see him ever playing another down of college football.  I hope he does remain on a medial scholly, and is able to help the team in some way.  It would be good for both the team and for Williams if he were to remain active in some capacity: just as long as it doesn't involve high-speed collisions with elite athletes.

Magnus

September 29th, 2010 at 8:28 PM ^

Not that this matters as much as his health, but I don't think Michigan fans should be writing off Michael Williams as having been a potential contributor this year.  I know we were thin at safety last year, but Williams was a part-time starter in 2009.  I find it hard to believe that he would have fallen permanently from 1st string to 4th string (or lower) without these concussions.

I wouldn't be surprised to find out that these concussions have been plaguing him for a while.  It's probably not something that just popped up in the past couple weeks.

DenverRob

September 29th, 2010 at 9:35 PM ^

Get your degree from an incredible university and live a healthy life Mike.

If he can play and can contribute, more power to you, but think about your own future.