HGH for Healing?
Outside the Lines (Sunday, 8 a.m. ET, ESPN2; ESPN.com)
Credit: ESPN/Producer Andy Lockett
Reporter T.J. Quinn (r) with Dr. James Andrews
It has been a common refrain this NFL season: a dreaded ACL tear followed by questions like, “When will the injured player be back in action?” And, “Will the athlete ever be the same?” But according to specialists, it’s not the ACL repair that sometimes fails players; it’s a problem with the muscles around the knee. And now, with funding from Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, University of Michigan researchers are looking into whether a banned performance-enhancer can better help an athlete recover from an ACL injury. It’s an idea that could ignite a medical-treatment-versus-doping debate. T.J. Quinn and Bonnie Ford report.
“I think it should be allowed. Obviously, the studies have to be done. If it’s done pre-surgery or during surgery, I think it doesn’t give an advantage to the person recovering from an injury.” — Terrell Thomas, former NFL defensive back, on the potential use of human growth hormone therapy
“I don’t want this to be about PR. It has to be purely results driven. There are no studies about HGH and performance or injury recovery.” — Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks owner, who has financially invested in a study on the potential benefits of human growth hormone therapy
Brett Greenwood
College GameDay (Saturday, 9 a.m., ESPN)
A former player has served as inspiration for the undefeated Iowa football team, one win from the playoffs. Brett Greenwood, a defensive back who led the Big Ten in interceptions as a senior in 2010, collapsed during a 2011workout and lapsed into a coma after suffering injuries from heart arrhythmia. Still critically injured and fighting through rehab, Greenwood led the Hawkeyes onto the field at Kinnick Stadium as an honorary captain on September 19. Gene Wojciechowski reports on the team, the former player and the shared bond of strength.
“People’ll say, ‘Well, you know, what’s the outcome going to be for Brett?’ We don’t know. We’re just thankful that he’s still continuing to improve.” — Michele Greenwood, Brett’s mom, on his recovery
“It was fight. It was everything. You got to see what men are capable of – what a person can do – the most motivating thing I’ve ever, ever seen.” — Pat Angerer, Brett Greenwood’s former Iowa teammate, on Greenwood leading the team onto the field
“You could see it in his face coming out of the tunnel. I really thought he was going to try to take off running, I really did. I think he was pushing so hard and just in the moment, and he’d been there before, he knew what to do, and — he was ready.” — Dave Greenwood, Brett’s dad, on watching his son lead Iowa onto the field
Ruth Riley Helps Break Down Myths, Misconceptions about Food Stamps
espnW.com
Ruth Riley, who led Notre Dame to the 2001 NCAA women’s championship and won two WNBA titles with the Detroit Shock and the 2004 Olympic gold medal with Team USA, knows firsthand how much the food stamp program benefits families who need it. Breaking down the stigma and helping people be comfortable talking about it is just as vital. Michelle Smith reports.
“When times were tough, the nutrition I received through programs like food stamps and school meals helped me grow stronger.” – Ruth Riley
Sports Reporters
This week’s Panel* (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., ESPN2)
John Saunders, Jemele Hill, Mike Lupica, Tom Waddle
*Subject to change
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