Below is the press release from USC SID Tim Tessalone.
Sadly, Frankie Telfort's career as a Trojan has ended before it even
began.
An incoming freshman linebacker out of Miami, Telfort has been
diagnosed with a serious genetic heart condition that will prevent him
from playing football for USC.
"This is obviously very difficult news for Frankie, his family and all
of us in the football program," Coach Pete Carroll said. "But we're
very thankful doctors discovered the issue before it led to anything
worse."
Telfort was examined by several of L.A.'s top heart specialists before
flying to the Minneapolis Heart Institute last week for a final
opinion. Cardiologists determined the 17-year-old had hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects 1 in 500 Americans and is the
most common cardiovascular cause of sudden death in the world. Telfort
has consequently not received medical clearance to play football at
USC, but discovering the problem at this stage most likely saved his
life.
Even though his playing career at USC is over, Telfort will remain a
part of the Trojan Family. Athletic Director Mike Garrett will honor
his full scholarship, and Telfort is planning to continue on as a
student at USC, with an expected graduation date of May 2013.
"Everybody's football career unfortunately ends at some point and no
one's ever ready for it," a solemn Carroll said. "For some guys, it
comes sooner than expected. But you're a football player and a Trojan
for life, and Frankie is definitely both."