Rush Loses Joe Douglass for Season
May 7, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
May 7, 2002 - Chicago Rush offensive specialist Joe Douglass underwent successful surgery Sunday morning to repair a ruptured colon, the team announced today. He was placed on Injured Reserve and will miss the rest of the season.
While doctors are still uncertain as to when or how the injury occurred, they believe Douglass ruptured his colon during pre-game warm-ups Saturday night.
"It's a tremendous loss for our football team," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "Any time you lose a player with Joe's production your team takes a hit. But it will be Joe's exceptional leadership and work ethic that will be the toughest thing to replace."
After taking a few weeks to recover and regain his strength, Douglass will re-join the Rush as the team's offensive specialist coach.
"We have a very special group this year," said Douglass. "Although I will no longer able to help the team on the field this season, I am excited about the coaching opportunity the organization has offered me. I want to contribute in any way I can to the team's success as I prepare for my return in 2003."
"Joe has expressed an interest to get into coaching when his career is over," said Hohensee. "This will be a good opportunity for him to experience the game from a different perspective. It also will be great for the team to have him around."
Rookie Antonio Chatman, who started for Douglass in Saturday's 71-59 win over Grand Rapids, will start at offensive specialist Friday at Tampa Bay.
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