Houston's Patrick Edwards Might File Lawsuit Over Leg Injury

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As you can see, in last night's Houston-Marshall game, one of the most freakish injuries you'll ever see occurred to wide receiver Patrick Edwards, and he isn't taking it lightly.

Edwards, who was running after an overthrown touchdown pass by Blake Joseph, ran into a poorly parked equipment cart, suffering a brutal compound leg fracture. The cart was basically just off the playing field, and Edwards, at full speed, had no chance to avoid it. Now, the question in the air is if Patrick and his family will file a lawsuit.

Houston Athletic Director David Maggard said he would pursue the matter with Marshall officials.

"It was duly noted, and I think we'll save the conversation for another day," Maggard told the Houston paper. "I don't think there is any question that it is a problem. We all noticed it, and we want to find out why something like that would occur. It was a serious injury, no question about it."

While I'm not a huge fan of lawsuits, this is unacceptable. The cart was basically in play and nobody did anything about it. I'm sure it was parked by some college manager, but an official or coach has to notice this and speak up.

Edwards, a red-shirt freshman for the Cougars, has hauled in the third most catches at his position and scored four times. He is obviously a young talent, and who knows how bad this leg injury could affect his career.

UPDATE -- After Surgery, Edwards Blames Refs, Not Marshall

After surgery on Wednesday, Edwards said he doesn't blame Marshall University for his brutal leg injury. He did say, however, that the refs should have been on top of things and made sure the cart was out of the way.

Edwards told The Associated Press from his hospital room in Huntington that he doesn't blame Marshall but said the referees should have ensured that the carts were moved away from the end zone.

There is still no mention of a possible lawsuit, but I'm nearly positive one will be heading our way in the coming days.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

10-29-2008 @ 2:57PM

Ted said...

Accidents happen, he culd choak on a chicken bone. Wyhos's would he sue then?

10-29-2008 @ 7:06PM

Vicky said...

learn how to spell

10-30-2008 @ 12:48PM

me64250 said...

"Ted", "Kenny B" & "E harm", your weak attempt at humour is pitiful. You're all probably jealous, "Encyte" using cybercowards who wait for headlines like this one to post your poisonous opinions.

10-30-2008 @ 9:57PM

mike said...

Ted you need to learn how to spell before you post comments.

10-29-2008 @ 3:24PM

MITCH said...

I AM NOT A BIG FAN OF LAW SUITS BUT HE HAS GOTTA SUE. DID YOU SEE THAT LEG SNAP. HE WILL PROBABLY NEVER BE THE SAME. IT COULD BE THE END OF HIS CARREER. HE'S GOTTA SUE.

10-29-2008 @ 3:56PM

BuckeyeNation24 said...

Might sue? He has every right to sue the Univiersity for not noticing how close the cart was to the playing field. These guys train hard week in and week out and live for this sport. He could be out for a year or if it's very serious even longer, perhaps not able to play again. There goes a career in the NFL making millions. Good luck to Edwards, I hope you get a nice settlement. =)

10-29-2008 @ 4:19PM

Gary said...

Buckyeye, how do we know if he would have even made it to the NFL.............i agree with the lawsuit, but let's not get out of hand. The kid was a redshirt freshman, FOR HOUSTON!!!!

11-02-2008 @ 12:58AM

Dr Huxtable said...

Hey Gary, the fact that he plays for Houston means nothing in terms of NFL potential. Where did Jerry Rice play? Some dump 1-aa school. You don't need to play for a major program to play in the NFL. I hope he sues.

10-29-2008 @ 4:03PM

Al said...

I dont think the school should be liable at all in this case. Look at how many people (photographers, cheerleaders, coaches) are around the field on any given second and also look at equipment that is very close to the field (tables, benches, etc...) He could have run into a cameraman or a cheerleader and the same injury could have happen or worst, he could have seriously injured a cheerleader...in that case, should a cheerleader file a lawsuit for getting hurt? It is not the school's responsability but rather the NCAA for not regulating what should be on or around the field during a game.

11-04-2008 @ 2:38PM

John Knoefler said...

Sure there were lots of other things. But the cart is steel. It is heavy and the level of the frame is PERFECT for breaking a leg. It is situated at the END of the field where players are very likely to strike it. As a construction worker we are trained to be wary of any dangerous situations. That situation reeks of probable accident. I bet now no hard objects will be allowed like that ever again. Just watch and see. Bottom line, Edwards has an actionable case. He can sue and win. His leg is mess up maybe for life but I can smell huge millions of dollars in a lawsuit.

10-29-2008 @ 4:38PM

jm266 said...

He deserves every buck he can get!

10-29-2008 @ 4:44PM

eharm said...

He knew the risks of playing football. He should have had more awareness of his surroundings and be able to control his body better. Seems to me just another bum looking for an easy pay day.

10-29-2008 @ 10:22PM

dp33hs said...

u sir are an idiot thats all go die ur probly one of those panzies who stayed in their college dorms all day and studied and then got busted for the one party u went to

11-03-2008 @ 9:35AM

dautry711 said...

U r an idiot. The risks of football do not involve carelessly parked carts that close to the playing field! Being injured by another player or something like that is a diffferent story. This is something that could've been prevented. Another bum looking to get paid. No, he looks like a hard working athlete to me. That's why he's going to school and playing a sport. I would like to see u try. He should definitely sue. His career could be ruined over some sidline worker, like u probably would be, doing something stupid. He was doing his job, they were not.

10-29-2008 @ 4:58PM

Derek said...

Watched the game, and he definitely deserves to sue Marshall University. There's no reason why the equipment should have been there. The college football sidelines are already too jammed, and need to only allow players, coaches, and staff on the field.

10-29-2008 @ 5:22PM

startseq said...

There are multiple "culprits" here. Marshall U no doubt has some responsibility as do the referees, but the Houston coaching staff should be named as well. Edwards' coaches have a responsibility for their team. Would the coaches let the players get on a worn-out looking bus?

10-29-2008 @ 6:01PM

justin said...

How dare you compare this to choking on a bone!!! These two situations are not even comparable. Injuries are a part of any sport, but when you increase this risk with carelessness and pure stupidity (leaving the carts where they were) whoever is responsible deserves to be sued for all they have to lose.

10-29-2008 @ 11:16PM

Barclay said...

You missed the reply button, but more importantly, you're trying to argue with someone who can barely communicate a thought without slaughtering spelling and grammar.

10-29-2008 @ 6:10PM

Pila B. said...

e-harm, are you serious?. Obvisouly you've never played any sport, "...control his body, been aware of his surroundings." A high level athlete running at full speed with his focus on the ball is not looking down the field or expecting a metal cart to be at the end of the end zone. The risk of football don't include the actions of some band manager's irresponsibility. And calling him a bum...if you have such little respect for the game and it's athletes quit watching. Try running through your trailer at full speed with your eyes focused on your beer as you hit the head. That's as close to it as you'll ever imagine being on the field competing.