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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Wednesday, April 6, 2005

Warriors' end Purcell treated for concussion

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

University of Hawai'i defensive end Melila Purcell III, who appeared to have collapsed during yesterday's spring football practice, was treated at The Queen's Medical Center and released for what has been diagnosed as a concussion, UH spokeswoman Lois Manin said.

MELILA PURCELL

Following a one-on-one drill during yesterday's two-hour practice, Purcell drank a cup of water, sat down and then appeared to lie motionless around 8:30 a.m., according to witnesses.

UH coach June Jones said Purcell had "passed out," although other witnesses were not sure if he had lost consciousness.

An athletic trainer stabilized Purcell's neck until a fire truck and ambulance arrived about 10 minutes later.

Manin said a CAT scan showed that Purcell's neck and head were "normal." She said he was released from Queen's at 1:30 p.m.

"He's home and resting," UH defensive line coach Vantz Singletary said.

Manin said Purcell, a senior from American Samoa, is listed as "day to day." She said he will meet with the UH medical staff today.

It is not known when or how Purcell suffered the injury.

Singletary said Purcell was competing in "one-on-ones," a drill in which the offensive and defensive lines face each other, and one defensive player is asked to pass-rush.

During that drill, Singletary said: "You don't tackle, and you don't go into that period without a helmet and shoulder pads. (The pass-rusher is) protected from the shoulders up."

Singletary said Purcell was asked to rush about "three or four" times in a row. Singletary said the linemen are asked to pass protect — they use only their hands to block the chest area — and each drill takes "about four seconds. It's two or three steps and a quick whistle."

Singletary said because Purcell is a skilled technician, the linemen not participating in the drill usually watch Purcell. Singletary recalled the players saying: "Coach, he didn't really take a shot to the head or anything of that nature."

Four offensive linemen said they did not see how Purcell suffered the injury.

Singletary said before the drill, Purcell appeared to be "in great spirits."

There were initial fears Purcell had collapsed from dehydration. But UH officials have tried to lower such risks by placing water stations across the practice field. Singletary said players are asked to drink water between drills, and they are told to call for a trainer if a teammate appears to be ailing.

Purcell started 12 games at left end last season, leading the Warriors in sacks (six) and finishing third in tackles (74).

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.