Concussion Worry Over Missing Ohio State Football Player
— -- An Ohio State football player who was still missing today after going out for a walk early Wednesday texted his mother that he was confused due to concussions, police said.
Ohio State University football defensive tackle Kosta Karageorge left his apartment about 2 a.m. Wednesday morning, according to his family. He hasn't been heard from since.
A missing-person report filed with Columbus police Wednesday evening says Karageorge told his mother he was sorry if he was an embarrassment, but concussions had his head messed up.
His mother, Susan Karageorge, told police the text was sent at about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, The Associated Press reported. She told police he has had several concussions and a few spells of being extremely confused.
Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer praised Karageorge in a statement released today.
"Our thoughts continue to be with the family of Kosta Karageorge and we pray that he is safe and that he is found soon," Meyer said. "He is a young man who joined the football team in August and was a hard worker on the field and pleasant off the field. He has been an important player in practice for us, right up until the time he was reported missing. If anyone knows anything about his whereabouts, please help his family and contact the authorities."
Buckeyes team physican Dr. Jim Borchers declined to comment on whether Karageorge had any record of being treated for concussions.
"First and foremost, our primary concern is for the health, safety and welfare of Kosta," Borchers said in statement. "While we are not able to discuss or comment about the medical care regarding our student-athletes, we are confident in our medical procedures and policies to return athletes to participation following injury or illness."
About 100 people met in Columbus today to search for Karageorge, the Columbus Dispatch reported.
Karageorge, who is also on the Ohio State wrestling team, had no vehicle, wallet or ID when he left, the sister told the newspaper.
Karageorge, 22, is a white male, 6 feet, 3 inches tall, and weighs about 270 pounds. He was last seen wearing black sweatpants over jeans, black Timberland boots, and a black hoodie with FOC on it.
Anyone with information about Karageorge's whereabouts can call 614-747-1729.
