As the Buckeyes prepare to take on Cincinnati in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night, Jeff Goodman of CBS penned an excellent profile of Ohio State head coach Thad Matta. The piece focuses on the the handicap that Matta struggles with every day, but few OSU fans, and even players, even know about. Matta has little to no feeling in his right foot, something called "foot drop" which was a result of complications from serious back surgery five years ago. He has to get dressed on one leg, could not pick up his daughters, or even take the trash out.
Quotes from the piece after the jump:
Via Jeff Goodman of CBS:
"We've kept it quiet," Thad Matta added. "I have a new sense and appreciation for handicapped people."
William Buford and Aaron Craft talked about their coach, and how little his handicap is a topic of discussion.
"I've never heard him mention it," Buford said. "He has never complained about it. Not once. Not to have any feeling in your foot, it sucks."
"You can tell it bothers him sometimes, but he never brings it up," sophomore Aaron Craft added. "The only time he does is when we talk about being sore, he says how we have no idea. But he doesn't want anyone to feel sorry for him."
The entire profile is worth a read.
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