[shortsleeve47]

University of Louisville defensive end Deantwan "Peanut" Whitehead's career is over because of a spinal condition.

Whitehead was injured in the West Virginia game last Thursday and was diagnosed with a spinal disorder after visiting a specialist in Indianapolis today, team officials said.

Whitehead has congenital spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column around the spinal cord. It is the same condition that ended the career of offensive lineman Mike Donoghue last month.

Whitehead is a sophomore and was one of the most highly regarded recruits to sign with the Cardinals out of West End High School in Birmingham, Ala.


Whitehead, who chose Louisville over Alabama and Auburn on national signing day in 2006, was named a Freshman All-American by The Sporting News after he started ten games and made four sacks for the Orange Bowl champions. In nine games this season he had made 25 tackles and two sacks.
Truly, truly awful news for a young man with enormous potential. Keep him in your thoughts.

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071115/SPORTS02/71115045

[spatc]

That is truly sad news not only for him and his family but for Louisville players and fans as well. He will be in our prayers. We wish the best of luck.