Some injuries affect coaches more than others. The case in point is the latest news out of the University of Colorado.

The Denver Post reported that Buffaloes safety Parker Orms may be out for the rest of the season with a concussion. The situation reminded CU coach Jon Embree of his college roommate when he played for the Buffs. Ed Reinhardt Jr., after suffering a series of concussions, received a blood clot on his brain from a hit at Oregon and nearly died after a two-month coma.

No one proved that concussions caused Reinhardt’s injury, which he has survived, albeit with partial paralysis on his right side. But ever since, Embree never takes chances with concussions. ”I try to treat all these kids like my own child,” Embree said.

The injury especially hit home because the Oregon just  honored Reinhardt at a recent game. Embree recalled the way the trainers treated Reinhardt’s concussions was to give him two aspirins.

Oregon honored Reinhardt before Saturday’s game. In the third quarter, Orms took a vicious hit from an Oregon blocker, this a week after he suffered a concussion at Southern California. Orms has the good fortune of suffering concussions in the 21st century. More is known about concussions now, and more precautions are taken. In Reinhardt’s day, concussions were considered part of the game. “Countless times, you got dinged and you take the smelling salt and ammonia tablets and you go back and play,” Embree said.

– Bill Bradley, contributing editor