Player Cut After Diagnosis for Diabetes: Patriots Drop Kyle Love, Jaguars Snag Him
NFL defensive lineman Kyle Love, who was "disappointed" after being dismissed by the New England Patriots following his diabetes diagnosis, has been picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Over the past two weeks, Love was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes- a chronic, lifelong disease signaled by high blood sugar levels that can often go years without being diagnosed. Those who have Type 2 diabetes are advised to exercise regularly to help maintain weight and naturally lower blood sugar.
But the Patriots this Wednesday dismissed Love from the team, citing concerns over how long it would take him to recover from the diagnosis. Love's agent, Richard Kopelman, suggested the move was unnecessary.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"Naturally, we are disappointed that the Patriots decided to part ways with Kyle, especially in light of the fact that a number of elite, professional athletes with diabetes -- both Type 1, which is known to be far more difficult to manage than Type 2 diabetes -- have had very successful careers in professional football, hockey, baseball and basketball," Kopleman told ESPN.
Last season with the Patriots, Love helped his team to the AFC Championship, playing all 16 games with 25 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He was awarded for his performance with a two-year contract extension and $500,000 sign-on bonus. Kopleman had faith that his client would be "100 percent" by training camp.
"Having consulted with leading authorities on the effects of Type 2 diabetes, we have every reason to believe that Kyle will, in the immediate future, be at 100 percent, and will be prepared to participate in training camp in a couple of months," Kopleman affirmed. "As Kyle said, 'There is no way something like this is going to stand between me and a long and successful NFL career.'"
The Jaguars first-year general manager, David Caldwell, agreed on Thursday to pick up Love's contract, which promises a payout of $750,000 for the 2013 season. Love will be the second Patriot's defenseman acquired by the Jaguars this week. They also claimed defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick Tuesday.
