Could this be it? The answer behind the scenes of why ETSU killed football? Maybe it goes back to the day, 19 years ago…the moment when Marc Buoniconti became a quadriplegic. It happened when he tackled ETSU’s Herman Jacobs…in the mini dome.

Think about it…The man who made the decision to end 81 years of football is a physician. Maybe he viewed the recent HBO story about the incident… If you haven’t seen a clip, you need too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58CLVPWV6Sk

Then the story about the Marshall’s football team on its way home from an ETSU game. As a physician the violence, injury, negative publicity perhaps was too much to take… budget was tight…the easy way out, eliminate football.

After watching the HBO story, you can feel the pain and damage that event left on ETSU running back Herman Jacobs. Even though he has a great attitude and does not blame anyone but perhaps himself, he is left scarred and damaged. Jacobs said, “My uniform was on, but my spirit and my soul were gone.” His desire was to be a chef… Working at Pals across the street from where he played will have to do for now.

A cure for paralysis is near researchers say…that maybe the only bright spot of that ugly day where Jacobs and Buoniconti were injured….Marc physically, Herman psychologically. The pain that inflicted everyone involved still persists... Perhaps the only way to heal is when Buoniconti is back to normal physically. Perhaps ETSU medical school researchers will make the discovery that will restore.

As for Jacobs he admits that his life has been a slow downward spiral. That is painful to hear. Next time I’m in Johnson City, I’m going to Pals and if I see Herman Jacobs, I’m going to encourage him…He has a job to finish…his bachelors degree and then his career as a chef. Wherever he uses his culinary skills is a place I want to patronize…one Buc supporting another. The hope is this man will be an over comer. In my book, Jacobs is a hero. His compassion and concern about Buoniconti is refreshing. He is just another reason why ETSU needs football.