|
Commodore Receiver George Smith Out Due to Illness 3/16/2004
Commodore Receiver George Smith Out Due to Illness NASHVILLE, Tenn. — When the Vanderbilt Commodores return to the John Rich Facility to resume Spring Practice Tuesday afternoon, the team will be without wide receiver George Smith, who is being treated in a south Florida hospital for an inflammatory disorder of the spinal cord. Smith, a promising redshirt freshman candidate, has been hospitalized for the last week. Doctors have diagnosed Smith with acute transverse myelitis, a rare neurological disorder that results in an inflammation of the spinal cord. Smith has shown improvement in recent days. While he is expected to make a complete recovery, Smith will not return to classes this spring. “George and his family are in our thoughts. All of us look forward to George making a full recovery and returning to school and the football team,” Vanderbilt Head Coach Bobby Johnson said. Smith, who graduated from high school in Hollywood, Fla., impressed coaches and teammates with his athleticism and receiving ability last fall and this spring. During the team’s last scrimmage before spring break, Smith’s 26-yard reception led directly to one of two offensive touchdowns. In an earlier scrimmage, Smith and quarterback Steven Bright connected on a 23-yard touchdown pass. |
