WITI-TV, BROWN DEER -
The UW Badgers football team pulled out a tough, double overtime victory against Fresno State. Reports indicated that a number of players may have been sick, but played through it. Now, there is concern that younger football plays may try to be tough.
There are those who are questioning why the University of Wisconsin let several football players who may have been sick continue to practice and play.
As concerns regarding swine flu continue to circulate, some are wondering whether the team is setting a bad example for younger players.
A few dozen of Coach Brett Bielema's Wisconsin football players were practicing with teammates, despite reports indicating some appeared to be sick. Bradley Kirschner from Children's Hospital said, "Guys that haven't had it...even guys that have had it can get another strain at some point. You just gotta give'em plenty of rest at that time...That's the wrong message to send to our kids, my patients, my children. If you're sick, you need to take care of yourself, and there isn't a tough it out side to this."
The concern comes when considering how many high school athletes may try to mimic their college counterparts. Brown Deer High School Athletic Activities Director Mike Novak says his coaches are told to be alert. Novak says, "If we see the symptoms, the drowsiness, coughs, runny nose, different symptoms that show up, we're sending our students to the health nurse."
Novak says coaches are not trying to coax kids to continue playing, if they suspect they are sick.
UW Health Services Director said in a statement, "Student athletes did not practice or compete while experiencing flu like symptoms. We're confident that student athletes were properly isolated while ill."
There are those who are questioning why the University of Wisconsin let several football players who may have been sick continue to practice and play.
As concerns regarding swine flu continue to circulate, some are wondering whether the team is setting a bad example for younger players.
A few dozen of Coach Brett Bielema's Wisconsin football players were practicing with teammates, despite reports indicating some appeared to be sick. Bradley Kirschner from Children's Hospital said, "Guys that haven't had it...even guys that have had it can get another strain at some point. You just gotta give'em plenty of rest at that time...That's the wrong message to send to our kids, my patients, my children. If you're sick, you need to take care of yourself, and there isn't a tough it out side to this."
The concern comes when considering how many high school athletes may try to mimic their college counterparts. Brown Deer High School Athletic Activities Director Mike Novak says his coaches are told to be alert. Novak says, "If we see the symptoms, the drowsiness, coughs, runny nose, different symptoms that show up, we're sending our students to the health nurse."
Novak says coaches are not trying to coax kids to continue playing, if they suspect they are sick.
UW Health Services Director said in a statement, "Student athletes did not practice or compete while experiencing flu like symptoms. We're confident that student athletes were properly isolated while ill."
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