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mlsintoronto
05-17-2010, 08:33 AM
TORONTO FC DRAFT PICK ZACHARY HEROLD ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM SOCCER


Retirements are often a time of reflection on a professional’s long and storied career. It is rare the word “retirement” is attached to a player at such a young age, but such is the case with Toronto FC defender Zachary Herold. The club announced Monday that the 17 year old Generation Adidas product has had to retire from the game of soccer.

Herold suffers from the condition Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) – which causes abnormal thickening of a part of the heart muscle. With this condition, under strenuous exercise, there is a risk of developing a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm, or arrhythmia. Unfortunately the only way to reduce this risk is to put significant life-long restrictions on exercise.
On Saturday, May 22 the team will honour the 2010 MLS SuperDraft pick in a ceremonial coin toss before the 1 p.m. ET kick-off against the New England Revolution at BMO Field.

“Early in pre-season we did medical’s on all our players, and obviously our doctor, Ira Smith, was concerned with some of Zac’s results,” said manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston. “From there he then began a series of tests with a variety of doctors, in both Canada and the U.S. Zac’s health was first and foremost in this process. Our hearts go out to Zac and his family; it’s a very difficult situation. We felt it was the right thing to do by honouring him in front of our fans, and give them a chance to show their support.”

As part of Toronto FC’s screening procedures, an electrocardiogram (otherwise known as ECG or EKG) is done on all players. There are certain patterns that are recognized as potential problems for athletes, and it is at that point that cardiologists are consulted. In Herold’s case, several experts in both Canada and the U.S. were consulted and a variety of tests were performed to properly and accurately diagnose this condition.

“Announcing my retirement from soccer at this age is something I never, ever thought would happen to me,” said Zac Herold. ”I am grateful to Dr. Smith, and all the specialists I’ve seen over the last few months – this news was very hard to take but I know it’s the best decision for me and my health. My parents have been with me every step of the way, and it means so much to me that I’m able to “retire” as a Toronto FC player. The whole team has been wonderful to me and my family and although it’ll be a tough day, I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on the 22nd”

“The support we have received at this very difficult time has been more than we could have ever imagined,” said Zac’s mother, Beth Inniss. “We want to thank the Wasserman Media Group, particularly Aaron Maines and Richard Motzkin. All of the doctors, especially, Dr. Ira Smith and Dr. Christine Lawless, and to the staff at Toronto FC. Special mention to Mo Johnston and Preki, I have never felt such support from a group of people as I have in the past three months. You have all stood by Zac, and lifted him up. I cannot thank everyone enough.”

Herold was drafted in the 2nd Round, 24th overall on January 14 in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft that was held in Philadelphia. The defender was a fixture with the U.S. U-17 MNT and made 15 appearances, 13 of those as a starter. Herold was also part of the U-14 and U-15 teams before enrolling in the U.S. U-17 Residency Program in the fall of 2007.

tfcleeds
05-17-2010, 08:37 AM
Very unfortunate to have a dream ended in this way...I wish Zac all the best in his future endeavours.

Nodoubtguy
05-17-2010, 08:42 AM
Some things are way more important that football. Glad they found the problem before it seems to have really effected his quality of life.

London
05-17-2010, 08:43 AM
good luck zack in everything you do!!!

Gixmo
05-17-2010, 08:44 AM
I had heard of this through the grapevine, Sad news indeed. A very promising prospect to say the least.

I'm sure Zac will receive an appropriate welcome from our supporters on the 22nd.

flatpicker
05-17-2010, 08:45 AM
It must be really hard to be forced to give up on a dream at such a young age.
I hope he finds a new passion to excel at.
All the best to him... stay healthy!

bgnewf
05-17-2010, 08:57 AM
I can't wait to read the first post slagging Mo for picking this kid in the first place. And I guarantee we will read something like this today on the boards.

:picard:

I am about as far from being a Mo Johnston supporter as you can imagine. If one chooses to be critical of Mo at least be critical in a fair fashion. Drafting a player that had a life threatening medical condition that went undiagnosed for years of competitive soccer he played before getting drafted by TFC is not something that Mo Johnston can be fairly blamed for.

Blame him for his management of the salary cap. Blame him for not having a real coach for three years. Blame him for man management. But please, don't use such an unfortunate event like this to unfairly push an agenda. This is about Zac Herold and no one else.

Hopefully he can move on from this and be successful in whatever field he chooses.

Good luck.

Whoop
05-17-2010, 09:00 AM
Good luck Zac in your future endeavours!

Gixmo
05-17-2010, 09:03 AM
I can't wait to read the first post slagging Mo for picking this kid in the first place. And I guarantee we will read something like this today on the boards.

:picard:

I am about as far from being a Mo Johnston supporter as you can imagine. If one chooses to be critical of Mo at least be critical in a fair fashion. Drafting a player that had a life threatening medical condition that went undiagnosed for years of competitive soccer he played before getting drafted by TFC is not something that Mo Johnston can be fairly blamed for.

Blame him for his management of the salary cap. Blame him for not having a real coach for three years. Blame him for man management. But please, don't use such an unfortunate event like this to unfairly push an agenda. This is about Zac Herold and no one else.

Hopefully he can move on from this and be successful in whatever field he chooses.

Good luck.

Don't feed the fish, and you won't attract the school. Now that the notion has been put out there, Sure I agree - Someone will say it now. Why would you bring it up in the first place? Respond to it after the fact. Instead, You're laying a seed and by the context of your posting encouraging it now. Nice!

You're starting the fire, just asking someone else to fan it. This thread isn't about Mo Johnston, his management style etc so let's leave Mo Johnston out of it.

It's for Zac Herold, a Red who never got his chance. Leave the politics for another thread.

menefreghista
05-17-2010, 09:09 AM
Don't feed the fish, and you won't attract the school. Now that the notion has been put out there, Sure I agree - Someone will say it now. Why would you bring it up in the first place? Respond to it after the fact. Instead, You're laying a seed and by the context of your posting encouraging it now. Nice!

You're starting the fire, just asking someone else to fan it. This thread isn't about Mo Johnston, his management style etc so let's leave Mo Johnston out of it.

It's for Zac Herold, a Red who never got his chance. Leave the politics for another thread.

Well said.

DangerRed
05-17-2010, 09:10 AM
Can we at least correct the thread title to spell the poor guy's name correctly?

Gixmo
05-17-2010, 09:11 AM
Just noticed that, tsk tsk PB! :)

Shaughno
05-17-2010, 09:18 AM
Best of luck to Zac.. not something you would wish upon anyone, especially such a young prospect of the game.

All the best Zac and I hope you can continue to enjoy your life to the fullest even if it's not the original direction you had hoped.

pekduck
05-17-2010, 09:27 AM
All the football dreams to pass at such a young age, best of wishes to Zac in whatever your new pursuit may be.

Alarius
05-17-2010, 09:39 AM
Heart Breaking! Wish him all the best!

Perhaps PB can setup something online where we can all enter our greetings and well wishes for him to see?

eustacchio
05-17-2010, 09:47 AM
That's pretty sad, but what's more important than your health. Best of luck.

Suds
05-17-2010, 09:48 AM
I couldn't imagine having to deal with your dream being taken away at such a young age. Glad to hear TFC will give him this show of recognition.

Wish the kid all the best!

jabbronies
05-17-2010, 09:49 AM
Very sad story indeed. However, this is great news for the fact that it was found before something tragic happened on the field.

too often has something like this gone undetected only to lead to something tragic on the field of play.

JonO
05-17-2010, 09:55 AM
Heart Breaking! Wish him all the best!

Perhaps PB can setup something online where we can all enter our greetings and well wishes for him to see?
Maybe we can all sign a supporters' flag for him?

mlsintoronto
05-17-2010, 09:57 AM
Heart Breaking! Wish him all the best!

Perhaps PB can setup something online where we can all enter our greetings and well wishes for him to see?

Great suggestion Alarius. Thank you, we will via FB

Kaz
05-17-2010, 10:04 AM
I feel bad for the kid, my only issue is why didn't they find this issue before the draft? Does the US Residency program not do proper physicals? When I was trying to join the forces when I was 18 they did a check on my heart and heard something odd, and sent me for a Echocradiogram. (which is similar to a ECG but with ultrasound).

So I can't understand why this kid went so long undiagnosed they new something was funny with my heart by the time I was 16 and I wasn't in a sports residency program. And if it was a known condition why was he even in the draft? It's not TFC I'm knocking here, nor the kid, I think they both did the right thing here. My question is what the hell is going on in the US residency program that something like this isn't diagnosed.

Hope he is well, and I wish him the best, sad he wouldn't know how he would develop, but health is important.

drewski
05-17-2010, 10:17 AM
I feel bad for the kid, my only issue is why didn't they find this issue before the draft? Does the US Residency program not do proper physicals? When I was trying to join the forces when I was 18 they did a check on my heart and heard something odd, and sent me for a Echocradiogram. (which is similar to a ECG but with ultrasound).

So I can't understand why this kid went so long undiagnosed they new something was funny with my heart by the time I was 16 and I wasn't in a sports residency program. And if it was a known condition why was he even in the draft? It's not TFC I'm knocking here, nor the kid, I think they both did the right thing here. My question is what the hell is going on in the US residency program that something like this isn't diagnosed.

Hope he is well, and I wish him the best, sad he wouldn't know how he would develop, but health is important.


from another thread


Standard medicals aren't good for showing this particular problem, so all the medicals in the world might not have caught it, save for some confluence of random events. Even when screened for specifically, it doesn't always show up.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertrophic_Cardiomyopathy_Screening#Screening_an d_Diagnosis

drewski
05-17-2010, 10:21 AM
best of luck to the kid. i hope finds something to fall back on.

as an aside, this is a great example to show to kids as to why they should stick with school, no matter how good they are at a sport.

mlsintoronto
05-17-2010, 10:24 AM
Facebook page for comments to Zac Herold (http://www.facebook.com/notes/toronto-fc/please-leave-your-comment-for-zac-herold-below/397566928362)

scooter
05-17-2010, 10:34 AM
that totally sucks
i am sure he can work in the sport he loves obviously us amatuer program could use his knowledge and he could work with younger players

but yes lets do something original for the lad
a supporters flag would be cool

jabbronies
05-17-2010, 10:35 AM
Maybe we can all sign a supporters' flag for him?

I like this idea.

Darlofletch
05-17-2010, 10:42 AM
Genuinely sad news for him, hope things work out better for him from here.

rocker
05-17-2010, 10:43 AM
best of luck to the kid. i hope finds something to fall back on.

as an aside, this is a great example to show to kids as to why they should stick with school, no matter how good they are at a sport.

i guess since he signed a Generation Adidas deal, he can go to university for free now. That was always the point of GA -- entice kids to sign pro contracts early by giving them the option of free university later if the pro thing doesn't work out.

TFCUNITED
05-17-2010, 10:59 AM
Sorry to hear what has happened to him. It says that he need to have significant life-long restrictions on exercise; hopefully that doesn't prevent him from at least doing some stuff like biking riding or hiking or whatever but it probably will. Best of luck for whatever he chooses to do in his life and may he be very successful and live a long life.

Gixmo
05-17-2010, 11:00 AM
The flag is a good idea, I like that! Maybe something at the tailgate?

Darlofletch
05-17-2010, 11:09 AM
Sorry to hear what has happened to him. It says that he need to have significant life-long restrictions on exercise; hopefully that doesn't prevent him from at least doing some stuff like biking riding or hiking or whatever but it probably will. Best of luck for whatever he chooses to do in his life and may he be very successful and live a long life.

Hopefully recreational exercise will still be fine, He just can't do enough to maintain professional athlete levels of fitness, which is presumably a ridiculous amount.

Chevy
05-17-2010, 11:14 AM
I can't wait to read the first post slagging Mo for picking this kid in the first place. And I guarantee we will read something like this today on the boards.

:picard:

I am about as far from being a Mo Johnston supporter as you can imagine. If one chooses to be critical of Mo at least be critical in a fair fashion. Drafting a player that had a life threatening medical condition that went undiagnosed for years of competitive soccer he played before getting drafted by TFC is not something that Mo Johnston can be fairly blamed for.

Blame him for his management of the salary cap. Blame him for not having a real coach for three years. Blame him for man management. But please, don't use such an unfortunate event like this to unfairly push an agenda. This is about Zac Herold and no one else.

Hopefully he can move on from this and be successful in whatever field he chooses.

Good luck.


...and yet you slag Mo in your second paragraph. True, this is about Zac Herold and noone else, so why even bring up salary cap management in this thread? :facepalm:

Oldtimer
05-17-2010, 11:18 AM
One thing about MLSE, because they have so many sports teams, they have probably one of the best medical teams in MLS.

If he had been drafted by, say KC, or played in USSFD2, he might never had had the testing that's saved his life.

Hitcho
05-17-2010, 11:19 AM
What are we going to chant during the ceremonial coin toss? there should be some kind of TFC based chant. it might give the guy a real lift to hear the south end gunning for him, and I think he really deserves that. If he only gets to have one moment at BMO Field, then let's make it an absolutely fantastic one that he'll always remember.

Any suggestions?

Oldtimer
05-17-2010, 11:20 AM
...and yet you slag Mo in your second paragraph. True, this is about Zac Herold and noone else, so why even bring up salary cap management in this thread? :facepalm:

Then he posted on U-Sector:



Wow, that sucks. It's got to be horrible to be 17 and forced to retire like that.

How long until someone claims that this is Mo's fault?
I thought the same thing. I think U Sector is a little more balanced than what we read over on RPB (with due respect to them they are often far more "reactionary" than we often are). I wrote this over there about Herold and Mo:
:facepalm:

http://z15.invisionfree.com/U_Sector/index.php?showtopic=13234

Nice.

Oldtimer
05-17-2010, 11:21 AM
What are we going to chant during the ceremonial coin toss? there should be some kind of TFC based chant. it might give the guy a real lift to hear the south end gunning for him, and I think he really deserves that. If he only gets to have one moment at BMO Field, then let's make it an absolutely fantastic one that he'll always remember.

Any suggestions?

That's a fantastic idea. Let's do it!

Hitcho
05-17-2010, 11:22 AM
Legend TFC? That's pretty stirring. Loud chant, simple banner with his name on it. Big impact.

Gixmo
05-17-2010, 11:27 AM
Then he posted on U-Sector:

:facepalm:

http://z15.invisionfree.com/U_Sector/index.php?showtopic=13234

Nice.

WTH? Just another way to whip up traffic to his Blog. Seemingly, always the same thing. RPB are shoot first, questions later folks. Why post here.

Don't justify such a ridiculous post with a response. Just move on. He's a blogger... Archer is a blogger.. It's a ploy for traffic. Call out for attention. Don't slag Mo, this isn't his fault - I'll slag him for you. What's this 'WE" BS. You're either a supporter, or you're not (Who cares about what group, It's the end result that matters) - Anyways, That's a different thread. Back on topic, I'll just ignore the post.

/Ignore

nfitz
05-17-2010, 11:43 AM
Being drafted by TFC may have been Herold's lucky day. This could have gone undetected for a long time. It might even have saved his life.

Strikers
05-17-2010, 11:50 AM
All the best to Zac in the future, it great to hear that he has been recieving the support he needs to push throught this challange. Maybe he will be able to get into coaching so he can stay around the game.


It's also good that they caught this early as a few young players have died in the past recently. The player in the OHL, and that hockey prospect playing in Russia.

drewski
05-17-2010, 11:56 AM
Maybe we can all sign a supporters' flag for him?


that totally sucks
i am sure he can work in the sport he loves obviously us amatuer program could use his knowledge and he could work with younger players

but yes lets do something original for the lad
a supporters flag would be cool

I like the idea of signing a supporters flag for him. maybe do something a bit more substantial in conjunction with it, like raise some money for the Heart & Stroke Foundation (make a donation > sign the flag)

Inswingingwingman
05-17-2010, 12:07 PM
So our much maligned medical system my have saved the life of a good kid from another country. As this is about him, the lad must feel some gratitude. Imagine the life ahead of a 17 year old and forget the glory of of soccer, and focus on the wonderful things that take place, love, life, and beauty.

Good luck to a guy who understands now that those things and family are far more important than standing on the sidelines wanting to coach to put you in....

And congratulations to those who found this before it was a tragedy we had to live with, a player dead on the pitch with a song every game would have been a terrible tragedy.

Hopefully his family, friends, and the people associated with TFC will give him initial support so that he feels the support of the TFC 'nation' is something to count on no matter the weather, the score, or the adversity.

Good Luck Son....

prizby
05-17-2010, 12:17 PM
I saw this on cp24 news flash and now I'm on my phone wishing Zak the best in the future...I was so excited when he was drafted thinking he would be a stellar addition to the squad for the present and the future and it is really to bad that we will not get to see the progression and promise zak was drafted for :(


On a side note, what are the chances that the MLS give TFC a compensation pick in next years draft?

drewski
05-17-2010, 12:59 PM
So our much maligned medical system my have saved the life of a good kid from another country.


this was found during private medical testing, not through our healthcare system.

DichioTFC
05-17-2010, 01:08 PM
I can't wait to read the first post slagging Mo for picking this kid in the first place. And I guarantee we will read something like this today on the boards.

:picard:

I am about as far from being a Mo Johnston supporter as you can imagine. If one chooses to be critical of Mo at least be critical in a fair fashion. Drafting a player that had a life threatening medical condition that went undiagnosed for years of competitive soccer he played before getting drafted by TFC is not something that Mo Johnston can be fairly blamed for.

Blame him for his management of the salary cap. Blame him for not having a real coach for three years. Blame him for man management. But please, don't use such an unfortunate event like this to unfairly push an agenda. This is about Zac Herold and no one else.

Hopefully he can move on from this and be successful in whatever field he chooses.

Good luck.

Fuckin disgraceful. You, sir, ought to show some class.

Best wishes to Zac. It's unfortunate when a promising career gets derailed like this but one's health is completely more important than playing a game. Hope he'll be in the South End for a game one day, would love to have him there.

DichioTFC
05-17-2010, 01:10 PM
I like the idea of signing a supporters flag for him. maybe do something a bit more substantial in conjunction with it, like raise some money for the Heart & Stroke Foundation (make a donation > sign the flag)

I really like where you're going with this.

Red CB Toronto
05-17-2010, 01:11 PM
A banner of sorts would be great to for Zac, wish him all the best.

ensco
05-17-2010, 01:20 PM
Being drafted by TFC may have been Herold's lucky day. This could have gone undetected for a long time. It might even have saved his life.

This is patronizing. MLSE/TFC did their job, which is nice, but that's it. The idea that other teams wouldn't have caught it, is self-serving and unsupportable. The idea that MLSE should have known before the draft is equally dumb. MLSE/TFC are a bit player in this.

The tough part is deciding what to do about this, once you find it. The decision about that is up to the kid and his family, in consultation with the private physicians. Period.

Good luck, Zac.

__wowza
05-17-2010, 01:27 PM
honestly, i can't even imagine what it must be like to be drafted to a team and find something like this out. it's bittersweet, he found out he had a heart condition that was caught early enough before it proved tragic, but at the cost of his career.

can the shoulda, woulda, coulda's fellas..
best of luck zac!!

you're still a red to us!!

jazzy
05-17-2010, 01:33 PM
wow...lots of class shown here all around......and a young man of intelligent character as now proven. Oviously a tough decision but your health is of outmost importance......As a fan I to, am glad you have been a part of our family....Thanx to all invloved, for the considerations taken concerning this man's future health.......FO.....& docs deserve kudos...here!

jazzy
05-17-2010, 01:37 PM
we need a Zac banner....RPB salute Zac

Gixmo
05-17-2010, 01:38 PM
Food for thought for those who wonder why something like this isn't caught ahead of time - read up on Mickey Renaud. A Hockey Canada prospect and absolute terror of a forward with the OHL Windsor Spitfires - Team Captain, Community face - Prospect... Dead suddenly from a similar condition. It can happen to anyone, and in this case it was caught. Who caught it does not matter. The lads safety does.



110% support the flag/donation idea.

UltraSuperMegaMo
05-17-2010, 01:41 PM
This is really sad news. I feel bad for suggesting in the past he should have been with the team and that TFC wasted a GA contract on him (before it was apparent it was a health issue).

Shaughno
05-17-2010, 02:11 PM
It's one of those things that until you find it, how could anyone know, himself included. Sucks big time for sure. I fully support some form of banner/etc.

bgnewf
05-17-2010, 02:51 PM
Food for thought for those who wonder why something like this isn't caught ahead of time - read up on Mickey Renaud. A Hockey Canada prospect and absolute terror of a forward with the OHL Windsor Spitfires - Team Captain, Community face - Prospect... Dead suddenly from a similar condition. It can happen to anyone, and in this case it was caught. Who caught it does not matter. The lads safety does.



110% support the flag/donation idea.

+1,000,000

Or Len Bias with the Boston Celtics... Lots of examples. I am just glad that what could have been a tragedy has been averted and that Herold now can rest his mind knowing what the real deal is and what he needs to do in order to live a happy productive life.

I lost my Dad to cancer last year and he was misdiagnosed on a couple of occasions before the doctors got a grip on exactly what was wrong with him. By the time they did it was too late to really do anything about the cancer that killed him. Its all about knowing what is going on as far in advance as is possible.

Knowing in advance is the absolute key here.

Red CB Toronto
05-17-2010, 03:18 PM
+1,000,000

Or Len Bias with the Boston Celtics... Lots of examples. I am just glad that what could have been a tragedy has been averted and that Herold now can rest his mind knowing what the real deal is and what he needs to do in order to live a happy productive life.

I lost my Dad to cancer last year and he was misdiagnosed on a couple of occasions before the doctors got a grip on exactly what was wrong with him. By the time they did it was too late to really do anything about the cancer that killed him. Its all about knowing what is going on as far in advance as is possible.

Knowing in advance is the absolute key here.

Len Bias can be no way compared to Zachary Herold's situation, Bias was a boy who threw it all away in the name of the party and the limelight. He was just plain out stupid.

Zach on the other hand just got hit up with a health issue that was found before something tragic could happen.

bgnewf
05-17-2010, 03:20 PM
Len Bias can be no way compared to Zachary Herold's situation, Bias was a boy who threw it all away in the name of the party and the limelight. He was just plain out stupid.

Zach on the other hand just got hit up with a health issue that was found before something tragic could happen.

Mea Culpa on Len Bias. I did not know about the partying.

Gixmo
05-17-2010, 03:28 PM
Mea Culpa on Len Bias. I did not know about the partying.

Wikipedia is a wonderful thing - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Len_Bias

Fact Checking for life..

'Leonard Kevin "Len" Bias (November 18, 1963 – June 19, 1986) was a first team All-American (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-American) college basketball (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_basketball) player. He was selected by the Boston Celtics (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics) as the second overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_NBA_Draft) on June 17, but died two days later from cardiac arrhythmia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrhythmia) induced by a cocaine overdose.'

bgnewf
05-17-2010, 03:43 PM
I am posting this on my blog later this afternoon. I wanted to share it with you guys first.

Apology

I also owe some fans an apology today. Earlier this morning I posted on a supporters message board (this board) that I expected that somebody would use this issue with Herold's health to jump at another chance criticize Mo Johnston. I went on to say that it would be the wrong thing to do to blame Mo for something he obviously had no control over but that I thought some fans would do so anyways.

I was wrong in that assessment as EVERYTHING I have seen, read, and heard today speaks to the class of Toronto FC fans when they are confronted with this sort of news.

Sometimes I let my emotions get the better of my better judgement and today was definitely one of those days. If I have offended anyone (especially my friends at The Red Patch Boys) then I most sincerely apologize for the offense and hope that I can be forgiven for it.

Tim

Flipityflu
05-17-2010, 04:36 PM
what sad news for the poor kid. all the best Zac

Oldtimer
05-17-2010, 05:34 PM
Apology accepted Tim.

Now let's move on and do our best for Zac!

TheKing7
05-17-2010, 06:39 PM
What are we going to chant during the ceremonial coin toss? there should be some kind of TFC based chant. it might give the guy a real lift to hear the south end gunning for him, and I think he really deserves that. If he only gets to have one moment at BMO Field, then let's make it an absolutely fantastic one that he'll always remember.

Any suggestions?

+1

Lets give the kid a proper send off, even though he may not have ever suited up for the reds.

ensco
05-17-2010, 07:54 PM
Len Bias can be no way compared to Zachary Herold's situation, Bias was a boy who threw it all away in the name of the party and the limelight. He was just plain out stupid.

Zach on the other hand just got hit up with a health issue that was found before something tragic could happen.

I think maybe the poster who mentioned Len Bias is actualy thinking of Reggie Lewis of the Celtics, a terrific player who died in 1993. THAT story is relevant, scary, and shows just how tough these issues can be for elite athletes, their families, and their doctors.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,979014,00.html
http://www.theheart.org/article/199839.do

Workie
05-17-2010, 08:22 PM
All the best in the future Zac.

At least with it found he can get treatment.

Keystone FC
05-18-2010, 12:49 AM
The news made the front of Yahoo and there is a write up in the Dirty Tackle blog of Yahoo Soccer:
http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/sow_experts/post/17-year-old-Zac-Herold-forced-to-retire-before-f?urn=sow,241590

http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/news;_ylt=Aq83gnM0s77eLKCMw_b69Qgmw7YF?slug=ap-mls-toronto-heroldretires

He will be part of ceremonial coin toss before Saturday’s game against the New England Revolution (http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/teams/nwe/;_ylt=AvOCKq.IhZuknTdl_gRA5P6BvrYF). Toronto FC said Monday it was the “right thing” to honor him in front of the home fans.

dantdot
05-18-2010, 01:52 AM
The news made the front of Yahoo and there is a write up in the Dirty Tackle blog of Yahoo Soccer:
http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/sow_experts/post/17-year-old-Zac-Herold-forced-to-retire-before-f?urn=sow,241590

http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/news;_ylt=Aq83gnM0s77eLKCMw_b69Qgmw7YF?slug=ap-mls-toronto-heroldretires

He will be part of ceremonial coin toss before Saturday’s game against the New England Revolution (http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/teams/nwe/;_ylt=AvOCKq.IhZuknTdl_gRA5P6BvrYF). Toronto FC said Monday it was the “right thing” to honor him in front of the home fans.

The comments on that first link are ridiculous, clueless people.

DichioTFC
05-18-2010, 03:24 AM
The comments on that first link are ridiculous, clueless people.

The article is written by a ridiculous, clueless person


Toronto FC supporters will find it extremely troubling that Mo or anyone else at the club didn't know about such a serious condition before the pick was made, only to discover Zac’s problem through the team tests after he was drafted and his Generation Adidas contract was signed.

The only person who related Zac's heart condition to Mo was bgnewf. Maybe thats the "supporter" that the writer cited.

BeerBaron95
05-18-2010, 04:48 AM
im down for a banner and even giving some bucks to donate to Heart and Stroke.. perhaps Boris or Phil can set up something??

Anyone willing to set these two up officially??

Alex... what say you, Czar of banners?? hehe

torontocelt
05-18-2010, 07:21 AM
It's a real shame, I seen some clips of him on gol tv and he looked as if he could develop into a capable player. I am glad they have caught this beofre something bad happened but it is terrible news for the young man and also for TFC. I am over the moon to hear about his free university schooling as part of the generation addidas, I hope he uses that opportunity to help build a career in what ever he feels he can be a success in. So many young footballers with promise fall by the way side due to career ending injuries so it is refreshing to see that Zac will be looked after and given a real chance at developing other career opportunites thanks to generation addidas. I think a flag and an official one minutes applause organised by TFC would be a fantactic idea. Good luck to Zac in his future endeavors.

Mark in Ottawa
05-18-2010, 09:37 AM
Paul... Zac is obviously a talented player with a passion for the game to become a professional at the age of 17.
Might be have a place in coaching the game?
Maybe with TFC in some capacity?

I know it is early but I just wonder where Zac goes from here as far as a career.

bgnewf
05-18-2010, 09:44 AM
I would like TFC give him a scholarship to University. He is only 17 and getting on with his education would be a logical first step I guess.

torontocelt
05-18-2010, 09:51 AM
I would like TFC give him a scholarship to University. He is only 17 and getting on with his education would be a logical first step I guess.

Someone already said that he gets a scholorship through generation addidas?

torontocelt
05-18-2010, 09:58 AM
Paul... Zac is obviously a talented player with a passion for the game to become a professional at the age of 17.
Might be have a place in coaching the game?
Maybe with TFC in some capacity?

I know it is early but I just wonder where Zac goes from here as far as a career.

Although it is a nice thought I cannot really see how employing a boy of 17 in a coaching capacity can be of benefit to TFC? Surely the best option for him is to go to university and use his free education? Tons of players drop out of the system at that age, what has happened to him is tragic but it is the same for thousands of players world wide who drop out of the system. There will probably be tfc acadamy players who do not make it this year and they too will be dropped but they will not have a safety net of a free education. What happened to him is tragic but I think offering him a job due to sympathy sakes is not a wise idea. I would be surprised if at his age he has any coaching badges or anything, maybe I am wrong?

jabbronies
05-18-2010, 10:04 AM
Someone already said that he gets a scholorship through generation addidas?

Wouldn't that now be voided? since he isn't playing

Oldtimer
05-18-2010, 10:08 AM
Wouldn't that now be voided? since he isn't playing

Not true. They can use the scholarship if their professional career "doesn't work out." One of the big attractions of the GA program, since not all young players establish themselves long-term.

P-NUTZ
05-18-2010, 10:08 AM
thanks god they sorted this out - i shiver at the thought of watching him play and then go down on the field...

bless him. poor kid. glad to show him some love. would have been a super player for us i bet.

bgnewf
05-18-2010, 10:22 AM
Not true. They can use the scholarship if their professional career "doesn't work out." One of the big attractions of the GA program, since not all young players establish themselves long-term.

I was indeed thinking that his GA scholarship would be voided. Glad to hear that this part of his transition out of soccer is at least sorted out.

Yeoman
05-18-2010, 04:32 PM
http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/sow_experts/post/17-year-old-Zac-Herold-forced-to-retire-before-f?urn=sow,241590

it's on the front page of yahoo right now as the main story
sounds like they were lurking our board at the end of the article

king dave
05-18-2010, 05:41 PM
Not here a lot now.
But here is what your executive should do.
Ask the FO to retire his number, as chosen/given, and do it at the match Saturday.
I encourage any/everyone to make a 2-stick, flag, banner with that number.
I am not the douche to get this done.
It is the top peeps in each SG that will be able to do this.
GET IT DONE!!!
KD.

Bluenose13
05-19-2010, 01:02 PM
What if most people don't think this is a great idea ?

Parkdale
05-19-2010, 01:31 PM
What if most people don't think this is a great idea ?

how about..... a poll?



:rolleyes:

I'm kidding, we don't need a poll to tell us that people would be massively split on this idea.

Gixmo
05-19-2010, 01:35 PM
Retiring a number is a bit extravagant and over the top, considering what has gone with current/past players.

While we're at it, Let's retire my number, 13.. No one is wearing it right? :)

dawkins
05-19-2010, 01:38 PM
Zac.... dont stop here... start coaching

Ageroo
05-19-2010, 02:09 PM
Retiring a number is a bit extravagant and over the top, considering what has gone with current/past players.

While we're at it, Let's retire my number, 13.. No one is wearing it right? :)

I gotta agree here.....way too extravagant in my opinion. He hasn't even set foot on BMO field and never played for us......even if he was dead(thank god he is not) completely retiring a number in the 4th year of a club which he was ONLY drafted to is a little out of left field.

Paying tribute to him at the match with banners, 2 sticks, announcements, etc...should suffice. My 2 cents....

Wagner
05-19-2010, 02:10 PM
Zac.... dont stop here... start coaching

those were my thoughts as well.
he's obviously gifted/talented.
Coaching or Broadcasting...leverage your new contacts with TFC...
when one door shuts...another opens...sort of thinking.

Some great coaches started off with a raw deal when they were young...look at Scotty Bowman's career.

DichioTFC
05-19-2010, 02:16 PM
Zac.... dont stop here... start coaching

Sky's the limit for this kid, he seems mature at 17 years old I'm sure whatever path Zac chooses will be for the best and will be profitable and fulfilling.

TheKing7
05-19-2010, 03:31 PM
Has Zac been on the bench this year?
If not I think it would be fantastic to give him a spot on the bench Saturday. Considering we have some absences and a suspension, I think he could slot in on the bench.
I think he really deserves to sit with the boys and spend one afternoon on the bench at BMO.

drewski
05-21-2010, 09:35 AM
LukeWileman (http://twitter.com/LukeWileman)
Herold says he wants to work in pro soccer or become a cardiologist to "help people just like me" #torontofc (http://twitter.com/search?q=%23torontofc)

Auzzy
05-21-2010, 11:38 AM
LukeWileman (http://twitter.com/LukeWileman)
Herold says he wants to work in pro soccer or become a cardiologist to "help people just like me" #torontofc (http://twitter.com/search?q=%23torontofc)

There's more info this article, from Zac's home town in Florida:

http://www.wptv.com/content/news/stlucie/story/port-st-lucie-soccer-star-zac-herold-lincoln-park/8FppwugDtk-XlR9Jp58aTQ.cspx

Also, there's a conference call posted on the TFC TV website, with Zac, his parents, his agent, and a few journalists (Star, NP, CP, Sun, SI.com, MSLE): http://torontofc.neulion.com/tfc/console.jsp?catid=2&id=1927

Hitcho
05-21-2010, 01:29 PM
Has Zac been on the bench this year?
If not I think it would be fantastic to give him a spot on the bench Saturday. Considering we have some absences and a suspension, I think he could slot in on the bench.
I think he really deserves to sit with the boys and spend one afternoon on the bench at BMO.

It's a nice idea, but my guess is that the insurers will veto this. Even for ceremonious purposes.

I think as someone posted above a show of support by way of what is already planned is the right kind of gesture to make. Still think we should have planned a coordinated chant/song for him though (an existing one, no time to get a new one rolling), just to show we're better organised than clapping when the announcement is made, and to show him some real fan support for the one opportunity he'll ever have.

nascarguy
05-22-2010, 12:06 AM
how the hell did he get this far with out someone picking up on it. Someone fuck up somewhere on long the line he should never made this far. The us u17 team should have pick up on this when he was recruited.

nascarguy
05-22-2010, 12:29 AM
more testing in all sports is need to get it early before someone dies

Phil
05-22-2010, 12:54 AM
more testing in all sports is need to get it early before someone dies

Hence FIFA's recomendation. Look at other sports for examples of NOT checking.

boozilla
05-22-2010, 12:59 AM
He's 17. He's not dead. Can't do what he loves, but he'll get over it .

king dave
05-22-2010, 10:34 PM
how the hell did he get this far with out someone picking up on it. Someone fuck up somewhere on long the line he should never made this far. The us u17 team should have pick up on this when he was recruited.
Best post of the month.
You douche:D.
KD.

Shway
12-14-2011, 02:57 AM
was seeing what was doing and found this lol......
http://florida.arrests.org/mugs/Hillsborough/2011/11048221.jpg
http://florida.arrests.org/Arrests/Zachary_Herold_5775590/

mowe
12-14-2011, 03:06 AM
was seeing what was doing and found this lol......
http://florida.arrests.org/Arrests/Zachary_Herold_5775590/

Tagged as a celebrity, huh? I guess being the 24th pick in the MLS draft means big things.

London
12-14-2011, 06:33 AM
he got a DUI

__wowza
12-14-2011, 08:53 AM
that's a shame, but i got no respect for someone who gets behind the wheel intoxicated.

rocker
12-14-2011, 12:26 PM
so we've had two former players busted in Florida....

ag futbol
12-14-2011, 01:18 PM
Up next: Jacob Peterson & Mista? ahah

__wowza
12-14-2011, 01:42 PM
http://newavenuesmag.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/293px-small_arrow_pointing_left-svg.png http://newavenuesmag.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/293px-small_arrow_pointing_left-svg.png http://newavenuesmag.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/293px-small_arrow_pointing_left-svg.png

forgetting someone AG?

ag futbol
12-14-2011, 01:47 PM
^ Can we bait you into using photoshop in order to create some magic?

PopePouri
12-14-2011, 02:03 PM
so we've had two former players busted in Florida....

You can't make this up.

__wowza
12-14-2011, 02:45 PM
^ Can we bait you into using photoshop in order to create some magic?

not my best, but my boss has been on the prowl today so i had to rush it.

http://i.imm.io/cXxT.jpeg

ag futbol
12-14-2011, 03:03 PM
ahaahh, very nice.

Mark TFC
12-14-2011, 05:10 PM
not my best, but my boss has been on the prowl today so i had to rush it.

http://i.imm.io/cXxT.jpeg

Look at the bio dude, Herold is 6'0". Just joshin'... lol.

dantdot
12-14-2011, 05:28 PM
Ahhh, the good 'ol days when Paul used to post.

Feel bad for the kid, got his dreams taken away. Of course, that doesn't excuse his actions.

__wowza
12-15-2011, 09:15 AM
Look at the bio dude, Herold is 6'0". Just joshin'... lol.

you can go eat rotten fruit from a shitty tree ;) lol


Feel bad for the kid, got his dreams taken away. Of course, that doesn't excuse his actions.

again, no respect for a DUI. your endangering other people just as much as you are yerself.