Late in the second half of Saturday’s 65-62 victory over Nebraska, Ohio State wing Jae’Sean Tate tried to amp everybody up by repeatedly slapping the court. Unfortunately for him, this resulted Tai Webster blowing by him. And now, to add injury to insult, the floor slapping might’ve cost him his season.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, Tate has suffered from shoulder injuries for over a year. In the first half he appeared to aggravate his shoulder making a pass, and was taken out of the game and examined by the team doctor. What happened next is straight out of a tragic comedy (emphasis mine):
Tate was the last player to emerge from the locker room after halftime for the Buckeyes, but he started the half. He appeared to re-aggravate the injury during the final minutes of the second half when he pounded the court while guarding Tai Webster beyond the three-point arc. Tate came away from the play grimacing and after talking with coach Thad Matta on the sideline was taken out for four seconds before returning and playing the remainder of the second half and the entirety of overtime.
The Dispatch reports that Tate had an MRI, and his health for the rest of the season is questionable.
Update: Ohio State announced that Tate will undergo surgery, and miss the rest of the season.
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