Illini OL Klachko Retiring After 'Numerous' Concussions
(CBS) Illinois head coach Tim Beckman confirmed Tuesday on the Big Ten teleconference that offensive lineman Ryan Klachko has decided to retire because of "numerous" concussions.
Klachko, who played high school football at Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin, transferred from Nebraska during the offseason and was sitting out the season because of NCAA transfer rules. He was still eligible to practice, however, and sustained "numerous" concussions, according to Beckman.
Klachko joins UCLA's Patrick Larimore, a captain and team MVP, as college players who retired this season because of concussions. Larimore, a linebacker, announced his retirement in August after repeated concussions that went as far back as high school.
Beckman said Klachko wants to remain close to the team and is interested in being a strength and conditioning coach. He can remain under scholarship with a medical hardship waiver.
