By Staff
From Staff Reports
July 27, 2001
Southern Miss head football coach Jeff Bower has announced that senior running back Derrick Nix will medically redshirt for the 2001 season as a result of continuing kidney-related problems.
Nix suffered a sprained ankle in the Memphis game (Sept. 30, 2000). The medication he received to reduce the swelling as a result of the injury triggered kidney-related problems that caused him to miss the remainder of the season with the exception of a brief appearance in the Louisville game on Nov. 4. During the month of June, he also was treated for a blood clot that also was a result of the medication.
Doctors have worked since last season to regulate the medication he used to treat the kidney-related problems. In a checkup earlier this week, it was determined that he wouldn't be cleared to participate at full strength for several weeks.
In an effort to give him ample time to completely recover and because of the uncertainty of a possible return date, Nix, his family, Bower and the doctors determined that his sitting out for the upcoming season is the best possible course of action.
"The decision is in the best interest for Derrick as a person and has nothing to do with football," Bower said. "In talking with the doctors, and Derrick and his family, it was recommended that he not play this year. We also are concerned that while he is on the medication that any injury could result in an even more serious situation.
"There were too many risks involved in the situation, and we believe the decision was in the best interest of Derrick. This will give him time to fully recuperate and reduce any other risks. The doctors feel good that he can start participating again at the end of the season or in January.