Nebraska football just announced moments ago that they will not participate in Big Ten Media Days tomorrow and Tuesday. The decision is made with heavy hearts as an automobile crash over the weekend claimed the life of NU punter Sam Foltz.
Former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler was also killed Saturday night, in the same car wreck that occurred as the duo returned home from a kicking camp in Wisconsin.
According to a Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department statement, Sadler was driving the car, which crashed at 11:43 PM central standard time. Sadler, the second leading punter in MSU history and 2013 All-American, had intended to attend Stanford Law School this autumn. He was MSU’s starting punter from 2011-14 and was nationally known for a light-hearted Twitter exchange with the parody account of former Nebraska Coach Bo Pelini.
Last year, Foltz won the Big Ten punter of the year award, as well as first team All-Big Ten honors. A press release from the Communications Department of Nebraska football reads that Head Coach Mike Riley as well as Nebraska football players Tommy Armstrong, Josh Banderas and Jordan Westerkamp will not participate in Big Ten Media Days scheduled for tomorrow and Tuesday in Chicago.
The school also sent out the following statements on behalf of Nebraska Football Coach Mike Riley and Director of Athletics Shawn Eichorst:
Statement from University of Nebraska Football Coach Mike Riley:
“Last night, we lost one of the best young men who I have ever had the honor to coach and who has ever worn the Nebraska uniform. Sam was universally loved and respected by everyone he touched and on whom he had a positive influence each and every day.
“His tragic loss is immeasurable to his family, his friends, his classmates, his teammates and his coaches and our thoughts and prayers are with all of them. The young men in our football program are hurting but I know that their strength of character and resolve will bring us together and we will honor Sam every day moving forward.”
Statement from University of Nebraska Director of Athletics Shawn Eichorst:
“Our prayers of love and support go out to Sam’s family during this difficult time and we will do all that we can to help comfort them in this time of sadness. Sam was truly a tremendous young man, who represented everything that a Nebraska student, athlete, teammate and friend should strive to be.
“While his loss is devastating, his impact will be felt forever. Along with Coach Riley, our focus is on providing Sam’s family, teammates and friends with the critical support and love that they need at this time.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication.
He also consistently appears on numerous talk shows all across the country. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram