Crosby To Withdraw from Clemson, Plans to Return |
Clemson, SC-Clemson sophomore Roscoe Crosby will withdraw from
Clemson on Friday, then plans to return to school in January and play for the Tigers in 2003. Crosby made the announcement after Clemson's practice on Thursday. The native of Union, SC had Tommy John Surgery on June 25, 2002 in Birmingham, AL and was in the process of red-shirting the football season athletically. He had been attending classes this semester, but will withdraw on Friday. He then will go to Arizona to continue his professional baseball career with the Kansas City Royals. Crosby will then attend classes at Clemson during the spring semester and then play professional baseball for the Royals this summer prior to returning to Clemson in August in time for the beginning of varsity football practice. "This is what I have to do to continue my professional baseball career," said Crosby. "I don't want to go into the summer baseball season without having played any baseball for such a long period of time. "I still want to play football at Clemson and this allows me to do that. I plan to return in the spring to take the necessary academic courses and then return for the 2003 football season." Crosby said this has been a difficult fall. "It has been very frustrating. Sometimes I can't even watch the games because I want to be out there so much. The guys have been great. When I see them on campus or in class they still make me feel part of the team. But, because I am not practicing or playing it is frustrating. "I am looking forward to coming back. The first time I run down the hill it will feel like my first time my freshman year. I am not ready to give up football." Crosby said that he has received outstanding cooperation from the Royals and Clemson. "Both sides have been very supportive and understanding. I am thankful that I play for the Kansas City Royals organization. The Clemson coaches have helped me any way they can. Both sides have allowed me to pursue both sports. They know I am still serious about that." Clemson Head Coach Tommy Bowden said, "I am 100 percent supportive of Roscoe's decision and look forward to his return for the 2003 season." Crosby set a Clemson record for receptions and reception yards by a first-year freshman in 2001 with 27 catches for 465 yards. A USA Today first-team All-American in football and baseball, Crosby was injured much of the first half of last year with a sprained knee and a broken nose. He had 23 of his 27 catches over the last six games of the season, including 6-139 and two scores against Duke and 4-69 in the bowl victory over Louisiana Tech. His 139 receiving yards were the most ever for a Clemson freshman and he was named ACC Rookie of the Week for that performance.
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