Miami Player Faints, but Heat Is Ruled Out

Miami defensive end Jerome McDougle fainted at the end of morning workouts Tuesday, but a team physician said his collapse was not because of heat exhaustion.

“Although we have not determined the exact cause as of yet, we have ruled out heat exhaustion,” said Dr. John Uribe, the team’s physician and orthopedic surgeon. “At this time all of his lab results are normal, and we’re continuing to investigate and evaluate his condition.”

Uribe also added that McDougle had similar fainting episodes during two-a-day practices while at Hinds (Miss.) Community College.

McDougle, 23, of Pompano Beach, Fla., was taken to Doctor’s Hospital next to the university for examination and will be held overnight for observation, said Doug Walker, assistant sports information director.

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Columbia will become the first school in the nation to conduct preseason heart screenings on its football players.

The Ivy League school said that an on-site, non-evasive echocardiography will be given to players in addition to the normal physical administered before training camp.

“This is simply another attempt for Columbia to be on the cutting edge when it comes to health-related issues,” said John Reeves, Columbia’s director of physical education and intercollegiate athletics.

The tests, which cost up to $2,000 and are usually given in a hospital, will be administered free of charge at Columbia’s Sports Medicine Office.

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Florida State senior wide receiver Robert Morgan will sit out the 2001 season after tearing ligaments in his left knee during practice.

An MRI revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament and lateral cruciate ligament. The injury occurred during a passing drill.

Morgan, who had 19 receptions for 366 yards last season, initially believed he had merely hyperextended his knee while jumping to make a catch.

Team doctors, however, reevaluated the injury and found the ligament damage.

The injury comes a day after receivers Atrews Bell and Talman Gardner strained hamstrings during evening practice.

The injuries leave the Seminoles with only one returning scholarship receiver, senior Javon Walker, able to practice.