There’s rather disturbing news coming out of Syracuse today, although, fortunately, it’s not as bad as it could’ve been.
According to a release issued by the school, Orange punter Rob Long will not participate in the 2010 New Era Pinstripe Bowl due to surgery to remove a benign brain tumor.
The release stated that Long notified the Syracuse University sports medicine staff that he had been experiencing headaches for the past several weeks. An MRI performed on December 2, 2010 revealed the benign tumor that will require imminent surgery.
The surgery will preclude Long from practicing for or participating in Syracuse’s first bowl game since the 2004 Champs Sports Bowl, although he’s expected to make a full recovery.
Long was 26th in the country in punting average at 43.8, and, as he’s a senior, finishes his career ranked second on the school’s career punting average record list (43.3 yards per punt). His career average ranks ninth among active punters in Div. 1-AA.