APA thumb injury sidelined UCLA captain and defensive MVP Patrick Larimore for the Bruins’ bowl game late last year.
Unfortunately, a different injury further north will cost the Bruins its defensive heart and soul for the entire 2012 season.
Citing unnamed sources, the Los Angeles Daily News is reporting that Larimore left UCLA’s camp after practice and medically retired from the sport. It appears concussions were the overriding factor in the decision as the the fifth-year senior linebacker suffered two in a span of less than six months.
The school subsequently confirmed the development, with the Daily News reporting that the news was broken to the team during a meeting yesterday.
Larimore started 13 games for the Bruins in 2011 and led the team in tackles. For his performance, the redshirt junior was named the team’s defensive MVP.
All told, Larimore started 20 of the 31 contests in which he played since coming to the Bruins as a three-star member of its 2008 recruiting class.
Sorry to hear about this young man can’t finish what he loves to do. I guess it’s better to error on the side of caution then to risk further injury.
Now that the position has opened up, It’s about time to get Jordan Zumwalt in the middle and let him handle the MLB spot. The boy can run.
Good luck to Patrick!
Zumwalt is a star in the making and Eric Kendricks will make an impact too!
Well at least he won’t suffer any further injuries to the champs across the city. Best of luck to the kid.
Even though I can’t stand UCLA (little brother) I wish nothing but the best for this young man.
I wish Patrick well in business or whatever he decides to do. I am sorry to hear about the concussions.
Some time ago on a story maybe a year or so ago, several regular bloggers greatly emphasized how important new technology to be integrated into the helmets (which are a 40 year old design and technology) needed to happen very quickly. Lawsuits are already in the legal system about head injuries suffered by NFL players. Something needs to be done. Concussions and head injuries are becoming more common and it is thought that many could be prevented.
Sorry to hear that. Best of luck Patrick!
I feel bad for Patrick. It seems so many good players are getting head injuries.
New Orleans tv news reported that Eric Dickerson has joined the NFL players in a lawsuit v. the NFL on concussions and head trauma. The players that tackle the most like Patrick and those that are tackled the most like Eric, seem to suffer the most head injuries.
Something needs to be done quickly as Parkcityute posted. There is too much of this type of injury being experienced by both college and pro football players. One would think by this time, someone would have come up with a better helmet.
Best to Patrick and his future.