A tough break for the favored LSU Tigers today, as star sophomore cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. will miss todays game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. From The Advocate:
Sophomore cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. was taken to the hospital Friday night after becoming “acutely ill,” LSU said in a statement released Saturday morning, and the star defensive back will not play in the team’s season opener.
The illness isn’t related to the coronavirus, LSU said. The school expects Stingley will soon be discharged from the hospital.
“Derek Stingley Jr. became acutely ill last night and was evaluated overnight in the hospital,” LSU’s statement said. “His condition is not COVID-19 related and he is expected to be discharged soon. He will return to activity after full evaluation by the medical team.”
LSU executive deputy athletic director Verge Ausberry said on WNXX 98.1 FM’s pre-game show that Stingley had an “episode” Friday night.
“He’s doing well,” Ausberry said. “He’s talking and he’s walking. It’s not COVID related at all. His parents are with him. Mother and father. Sister. And he’s in good shape. It’s positive what we’re hearing.”
Let’s hope Stingley is ok and won’t be down for long, but it leaves the defending national champions vulnerable on one side of the field. Former Stanford quarterback K.J. Costello starts for the Bulldogs today, and Mike Leach’s Air Raid system looks for one-on-one matchups on the outside. This could be a big factor in a game where Mississippi State enters Death Valley for their SEC opener today.
The line for this game opened at LSU -19.5, was at -17 this morning, and is now down to -14.5 at DraftKings Sportsbook.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IN/NH/IA/CO/IL only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.