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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Missing Ohio State player cited concussions

Karageorge
Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A missing Ohio State football player told his mother in a text message the day he disappeared that concussions had his head messed up, according to a report filed with police.

Kosta Karageorge, a 22-year-old senior defensive tackle from Columbus, was last seen at his apartment around 2 a.m. Wednesday. Team spokesman Jerry Emig confirmed that Karageorge missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, which his family says was uncharacteristic.

Karageorge’s parents filed a missing-person report Wednesday evening, listing him as white, 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, bearded and bald.

His mother, Susan Karageorge, told police he has had several concussions and a few spells of being extremely confused, according to the report. She said at about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday he texted a message that cited the concussions and said, “I am sorry if I am an embarrassment.”

The team’s physician, Dr. Jim Borchers, said Friday that he could not comment on the medical care of student athletes. But, Borchers said, “We are confident in our medical procedures and policies to return athletes to participation following injury or illness.”

The player’s sister, Sophia Karageorge, told The Columbus Dispatch that he apparently was upset, and roommates said he went for a walk, dressed in black from his hat to his boots.

“We’re very concerned that he’s not himself and that he maybe doesn’t know what’s going on,” she told the newspaper.

She said after each concussion he followed trainers’ instructions and received proper care but “his repercussions from (concussions) have been long-term or delayed.”

Kosta Karageorge, a senior and former Buckeyes wrestler, joined the football team as a walk-on this season.