Ohio State's D'Angelo Russell, right, drives the lane against James Madison's Jackson Kent during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete) (The Associated Press)
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State coach Urban Meyer says he's praying that a missing football player is found soon and safely.
In a Friday statement, Meyer described defensive tackle Kosta Karageorge as a hard worker and an important player in practice. The 6-foot-5 senior joined the football team as a walk-on this season.
The player's sister says his family reported him missing Wednesday after he left his apartment, then uncharacteristically missed two practices.
Sophia Karageorge tells The Columbus Dispatch (http://bit.ly/1zZXTgq) her 22-year-old brother was last seen at his apartment at around 2 a.m. Wednesday. She says he has a history of sports-related concussions, and his family was concerned that he might have become disoriented.
The team's physician said Friday he's confident in the policies in which athletes are returned to play after injury or illness.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
An Ohio State football player was reported missing by his family after he left his apartment, was uncharacteristically absent from two practices and didn't check in, his sister said.
Kosta Karageorge, a senior defensive tackle from Columbus, was last seen at his apartment around 2 a.m. Wednesday, his sister, Sophia Karageorge told The Columbus Dispatch (http://bit.ly/1zZXTgq). She said her 22-year-old brother apparently was upset, and roommates said he went for a walk, dressed in black from his hat to his boots.
Police said a missing persons report was filed on the bearded, 6-foot-5, 285-pound former wrestler. Columbus police didn't immediately return a call for comment Friday.
Team spokesman Jerry Emig confirmed Karageorge missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. Emig said Friday that the school is aware off the situation but didn't comment further.
Karageorge left without his wallet or his motorcycle, his sister said. He has a history of sports-related concussions, including one a month ago, and his family worried he might have become disoriented, she said.
"We're very concerned that he's not himself and that he maybe doesn't know what's going on," she told the newspaper. She said after each concussion, he has followed trainers' instructions and received proper care but that "his repercussions from (concussions) have been long-term or delayed."
Karageorge, a former Buckeyes wrestler, joined the football team as a walk-on this season. He has played in one game and is among two dozen seniors slated to be recognized at their final home game Saturday against Michigan.
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Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com
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