University of Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei made the wrong type of news at the NFL Scouting Combine this past Sunday, when an echocardiogram detected a heart condition for a player many expected to go in the top 10 in the 2013 NFL Draft. On Monday, who said he felt fine and has no idea if the issue is new or was preexisting. Lotulelei flew back to Utah on Monday to seek a second opinion. He was confident he would be able to work out without restrictions at his pro day March 20. Lotulelei is free to continue exercising and working out, a source briefed on the player’s condition. The doctors at the combine never told Lotulelei he couldn’t exercise, but rather they chose to err on the side of caution and keep him from performing in Indianapolis. Star Lotulelei wasn’t barred from exercising, but he was told it would be better if he saw a specialist first. On Monday The USA Today reported that the hope is Lotulelei’s heart irregularity was the product of dehydration, high sodium intake or rapid weight loss. Lotulelei shed nearly 10 pounds in three days leading up to the combine. Lotulelei will likely find out for sure in Utah if his first-round stock could be hanging in the balance.
In a time when the NFL is under an intense amount of scrutiny for the health and well being of its player a young man who was projected to be a top 10 pick and earn millions of dollars may thank the NFL for what they discovered and help jim prolong his life. The 1LAW staff hopes that Lotulelei fully recovers from this and is able to go on and achieve his dream.
