Thu
May 1 2008
10:06 pm
Long live Chris Lofton
By: Pam Strickland

(link...)

Chris Lowe has an incredible story about bravery and privacy regarding Chris Lofton and his private battle w/ testicular cancer that was diagnosed because of a random drug test mandated by the NCAA during the 2007 tournament. That kid may have been off his game this year, but he had more class than any one I know.

Plus, I have an aunt who works in the radiation department at UT, and she never hinted -- and we're a huge basketball family. I have more admiration for her too.

There's also a story at knoxnews.com, but it's much shorter and not as well written. (link...)

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Brian A.'s picture

Very surprising

Submitted by Brian A. on Fri, 2008/05/02 - 12:45am.

It's something that they managed to keep it a secret like that.

It makes what Chris achieved on the court even more amazing.

Brian A.
I'd rather be cycling.

redmondkr's picture

I am surprised, and elated,

Submitted by redmondkr on Fri, 2008/05/02 - 1:07am.

I am surprised, and elated, that the media would respect Chris' wishes and keep this to themselves until he chose the appropriate time to divulge the news.

All the best to a very deserving young man!


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JaHu's picture

My son just called and told

Submitted by JaHu on Fri, 2008/05/02 - 6:57am.

My son just called and told me about Chris. He's always been a class act but this goes far and beyond class. He had to feel miserable during the games during the time he was taking treatments and he was still able to compete as he did. Amazing!

Knoxquerious's picture

Chris Lofton - UT Legend.

Submitted by Knoxquerious on Fri, 2008/05/02 - 8:09am.

Chris Lofton - UT Legend. Period.

JaHu's picture

Agreed! Earlier, I was

Submitted by JaHu on Fri, 2008/05/02 - 11:05am.

Agreed!

Earlier, I was listening to one of the local sports shows and one of their callers suggested that this puts Lofton up there with Manning. I understand his gesture but personally I feel this puts Lofton beyond Manning. I hold the highest regard for Peyton, but Chris put his teammates and UT fans before himself, which Peyton also did, but Chris did while fighting a disease that could have possibly taken his life. Like you said, He's a legend.

Oh, and I was wrong in my earlier post, Chris had already finished his treatments before the start of the season but it still doesn't detour from his unselfishness while battling this disease.

Knoxquerious's picture

Street Name

Submitted by Knoxquerious on Fri, 2008/05/02 - 1:13pm.

I know we need a cap, but you know what? This type of stuff calls for a street name. Chris Lofton Drive has a nice ring to it. Or how about court? Bert Bertelkamp might like to go with Chris Lofton Bottom!

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