TCU Coach Gary Patterson Screamed at the Team Physician For Holding Concussed Running Back Out

TCU running back Ed Wesley landed on his head on this play against SMU in September and was knocked out. According to TCU head physician Samuel J. Haraldson, “[Wesley] was knocked unconscious, and any loss of consciousness is automatically considered a concussion.” But TCU was tangled in a surprisingly close game against SMU – the Horned Frogs eventually won, 41-24 – and according to Haraldson, TCU coach Gary Patterson wanted Wesley back in the game. Immediately.

Then five or six plays later, I literally was verbally accosted by the coach, screaming at me insanely at the top of his lungs that he doesn’t think [Wesley] has a concussion and what right do I have to hold him out.

According to Fort Worth Star Telegram, this one will be difficult for Patterson to deny, because the exchange was shown on national TV. (Hey Gameday, will this be a topic Saturday?)

The game was televised by ESPN and the verbal exchange was shown live. When asked about the incident the Sunday after the game Patterson said, “It’s none of your business. As far as I’m concerned [Wesley] was fine 10 minutes after he was hurt.”

But why even address it … when you can hide behind privacy laws?

Patterson said Wednesday he knew of the story but hadn’t read it.

“They didn’t talk to me about it,” Patterson said. “They didn’t even try to get a hold of me. The bottom line is Wesley didn’t play. And he played the next week.”

Patterson said he was waiting for the TCU administration to clear him to respond to the story. He later issued a statement that because of privacy laws, “we can’t divulge information about a specific player’s health.” He said TCU’s policy is to ensure athletes have the “best medical attention possible.”

Yes, it was a bad job by the magazine to not get in touch with Patterson. But hiding behind privacy laws, coach? Really?

Wesley leads the team in rushing (685 yards) and touchdowns (seven). Prediction: TCU loses at Utah on Nov. 6.