Redshirt-senior defensive lineman Kosta Karageorge
Credit: Courtesy of OSU Athletics
Moments before coach Urban Meyer addressed the media on Monday, an Ohio State spokesman said the school is unable to comment on the investigation surrounding the death of walk-on senior defensive lineman Kosta Karageorge or the medical treatment he received at OSU.
Karageorge’s body was found Sunday afternoon near his apartment in Columbus after being reported missing on Wednesday. Columbus Police said the cause of death appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Columbus native had last been seen around 2 a.m. on Wednesday. According to The Columbus Dispatch, Karageorge’s family was concerned his disappearance had something to do with concussion-related injuries, of which he reportedly had a history.
During his Monday press conference, Meyer said Karageorge’s death is an “incredible tragedy.”
Meyer added that Karageorge “loved” his time as a football player at OSU. He joined the team in August after competing as a varsity wrestler for three seasons for the Buckeyes.
On Friday, the OSU Department of Athletics released statements from Meyer and team physician Dr. Jim Borchers. Borchers’ statement said he was “not able to discuss or comment about the medical care regarding our student-athletes.”
After police confirmed Karageorge’s body had been found, OSU athletics released a statement expressing the shock and sadness of learning of the player’s death.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Karageorge family, and those who knew him, during this most difficult time,” the statement said.
When asked about how the OSU handled Karageorge’s health, Meyer said he could not comment but expressed his faith in the medical staff.
“This is the best group of medical people I’ve ever been around,” Meyer said.
