Getty ImagesRumors have been swirling for the past couple of months that an injury Julian Burnett suffered in Georgia Tech’s bowl game last year could jeopardize his availability for the 2012 season.
Unfortunately, that appears to be the case.
As the Yellow Jackets commenced spring practice Monday, the school confirmed that the senior linebacker will almost certainly not play this season due to what was described as “an undisclosed injury or medical condition.” It’s unclear if the unspecified injury/medical condition is career-threatening, although, based on the words of Burnett’s head coach, that very well could be the case.
“He’s probably not going to play,” Paul Johnson said in a statement released by the school. “I’m sure it’s really tough on him. He loves football. He’s a heck of a competitor and a great football player, but there are bigger things in life than football. You have to be safe.”
Again, it’s unknown what specific injury Burnett suffered in the Sun Bowl loss to Utah in late December, or even what general area of body the injury is located.
Burnett has led the Yellow Jackets in tackles the past two seasons. He was named second-team All-ACC following the 2011 season.
