Surprise Surprise...Nash quits the MU Football team

**Saulbadguy** · 11-29-2004, 03:00 PM

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/spo...+football+team

COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri running back Damien Nash quit the Missouri football team today.

When contacted Monday morning, Nash confirmed he had quit the team but said he did not want to comment about the situation.

University spokesman Chad Moller said the athletic department was not aware of the situation, and he had no further comment.

Nash, who led Mizzou in rushing this season with 792 yards and seven touchdowns on 164 attempts, likely will have two years of eligibility remaining if he transfers to another school.

Nash, a junior, has one year of eligibility remaining before he can apply for a medical hardship season. Nash suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during his second season at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College in 2002.

Nash would need to be released from the Missouri football team to play for a Division I school next year; otherwise, he would have to sit out a season. Nash can sign with a Division I-AA school without a release from Missouri and can play next season.

Nash has had difficulties with the coaching staff most of this season. Earlier this year, he was suspended for comments he made regarding the play-calling after the Oklahoma State game Oct. 23. Nash has been outspoken all year about the play-calling and his playing time.

He also has been dealing with turmoil off the field. His mother recently finished chemotherapy and is on disability leave from work.

Missouri coach Gary Pinkel signed Nash, an East St. Louis High graduate, shortly after he took over at Mizzou. The signing was thought to be a triumph for Pinkel, who lured Nash away from Nebraska. Nash also was credited with being one of the top recruits to come out of the St. Louis area.

Nash’s departure come two days after the Tigers finished their season at 5-6 amid turmoil regarding the fate of the Missouri coaching staff.

Reporter Graham Watson
E-mail: gwatson@post-dispatch.com
Phone: 314-340-8038

11-29-2004, 03:00 PM	Topic Starter
Saulbadguy When a nightmare becomes real Join Date: Nov 2003 Casino cash: $2536966	Surprise Surprise...Nash quits the MU Football team http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/spo...+football+team COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri running back Damien Nash quit the Missouri football team today. When contacted Monday morning, Nash confirmed he had quit the team but said he did not want to comment about the situation. University spokesman Chad Moller said the athletic department was not aware of the situation, and he had no further comment. Nash, who led Mizzou in rushing this season with 792 yards and seven touchdowns on 164 attempts, likely will have two years of eligibility remaining if he transfers to another school. Nash, a junior, has one year of eligibility remaining before he can apply for a medical hardship season. Nash suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during his second season at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College in 2002. Nash would need to be released from the Missouri football team to play for a Division I school next year; otherwise, he would have to sit out a season. Nash can sign with a Division I-AA school without a release from Missouri and can play next season. Nash has had difficulties with the coaching staff most of this season. Earlier this year, he was suspended for comments he made regarding the play-calling after the Oklahoma State game Oct. 23. Nash has been outspoken all year about the play-calling and his playing time. He also has been dealing with turmoil off the field. His mother recently finished chemotherapy and is on disability leave from work. Missouri coach Gary Pinkel signed Nash, an East St. Louis High graduate, shortly after he took over at Mizzou. The signing was thought to be a triumph for Pinkel, who lured Nash away from Nebraska. Nash also was credited with being one of the top recruits to come out of the St. Louis area. Nash’s departure come two days after the Tigers finished their season at 5-6 amid turmoil regarding the fate of the Missouri coaching staff. Reporter Graham Watson E-mail: gwatson@post-dispatch.com Phone: 314-340-8038
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